1.0
Introduction
1.01.
Power is the engine of growth of any developing economy. Consumption
of electrical energy is an universally accepted indicator of progress
in the agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors, as also of the
well being of the people of the State. No major economic activity can
be sustained without adequate and reliable supply of power. It plays
a critical role in employment generation, regional development and poverty
eradication.
1.02.
The Government of Gujarat has given highest priority to the development
of power sector. To give concrete shape to the above issue, the Government
has felt the need to come out with a 'Power Policy'. In October, 1991,
the Government of India has made changes in the Electricity Supply Act
allowing private sector participation in the field of generation, transmission
and distribution of power. The State in its new 'Power Policy' proposes
to encourage private sector participation in the field of power-generation
transmission and distribution which till today was reserved for state
public sectors only. Further it will also facilitate setting up of captive
power units by different industrial units. Similarly, in the field of
distribution of power it seeks private sector participation which will
make the distribution and delivery system competitive and efficient.
The State seeks to identify its power system needs and the means to
fulfill the same through a comprehensive 'Power System Master Plan'
. The State will augment long term generation of power by putting up
large power plants which have been identified or are to be identified
by the 'Power System Master Plan'. For short term augmentation of the
State's power generation capacity it seeks to encourage setting up of
captive power capacity by industrial units; putting up of short gestation
small plants near the load distribution centre besides going for early
commissioning and synchronising of projects in the pipeline. In the
transmission sector the state power-grid will be maintained by Gujarat
Electricity Board who will take the help of private sector in augmenting
the capacities of transmission grid. It also seeks to encourage the
use of non-conventional and renewable sources of energy and energy conservation
while taking care of environmental issues. It also seeks to rationalise
power tariff and duty through an Independent Statutory Tariff Regulatory
Commission. Policy will be closely monitored by a high power committee.
1.03.
The State of Gujarat came into being in the year 1960. The total installed
generating capacity then was 315 MW. The State receives 1244 MW of power
as its share from Central Pool like Korba (360 MW), Kawas (184 MW),
Gandhar (185 MW), Kakrapar (125 MW), Vindhyachal (230 MW) and Tarapur
(160 MW). Among the major power plants in Gujarat are Ukai (850 MW),
Wanakbori (1260 MW), Utran (39 MW), Ahmedabad Electricity Company (510
MW), Gandhinagar (660 MW), Dhuvaran (588 MW), Panandhro(140 MW), Sikka
(240 MW) and Kadana (120 MW). As on 30.09.1995, the total derated installed
capacity in the State was 6238 MW. It may be added here that in addition
to this there is a capacity of 1306 MW from captive generating sets
put up by different Companies within State. The State's per capita annual
electricity consumption is 650 Kwh compared to national average of 345
Kwh.
1.4
Projects under different stages of Planning and Implementation
- GTEC
(Gandhar) 655 MW
- Reliance,
Sikka 500 MW
- Essar,
Hazira 510 MW
- GMDC,
Akrimota 250 MW
- GIPCL
I Baroda
160 MW
II Mangrol
250 MW 410 MW
·
GPCL
I Kharsalia
125 MW
II Surkha
250 MW 375 MW
GEB Gandhinagar
210 MW
Wanakbori
210 MW 420 MW
- AEC
'C' Station 60 MW
- Panandhro
expansion 75 MW
- Kadana
120 MW
3375 MW
Sardar
Sarovar Project when completed will generate 1400 MW hydro power, from
which Gujarat will get 232 MW of power as its share. There will be a
further addition of 14 MW from mini and micro hydel power stations based
on Narmada canals.
1.5
Projects under active consideration
- Small
Thermal/Liquid fuel fired
- Power
Plants (5x100 MW) 500 MW
- Coastal
imported coal based
- Power
stations (2x500 MW) 1000 MW
- Pipavav
Gas/Naphtha Thermal
- Power
Station 615 MW
- Upgradation
of the 54 MW Power
- Plant
at Dhuvaran to 100 MW MW
Total
Capacity 2161 MW
These
projects when completed will raise the installed capacity in the State
by 5536 MW taking the total to 11774 MW. This will be over and above
the captive power capacity, which in coming years is expected to go
up substantially.
1.6 In
the post-liberalisation era, Gujarat has been witnessing rapid industrial
growth. Investment of over Rs.1,00,000 crores is in the pipeline resulting
in a quantum jump in the demand for power. While the State must go all
out to augment the supply of power, one has to take note of the three
basic constraints that the State has to live with :
a) Constraint
of local fuel resources like lignite, coal and hydel.
b) Difficulties
in getting coal linkages for the power plants.
c) Long
distance from the coal pit-head.
Due to
the difficulties in getting coal linkages and long distance of coal
haulage, the cost of coal in Gujarat comes to an average of Rs.1436.5
per MT compared to Rs.710 per MT for Maharashtra, Rs.730 per MT for
Rajasthan and Rs.400 per MT for Madhya Pradesh. The State's option for
hydel resources is also limited.
1.7 The
State has tremendous geographical advantage for port based power plants
using imported coal or liquid fuel like LNG, Naphtha and natural gas.
This potential has remained largely unexploited till now. In building
the future perspective for power development in the State, this potential
is going to play a very important role.
1.8 As
per the 15th Electric Power Survey, the total installed capacity in
the State by the year 2000 AD should be 11236 MW. Survey assumed a linear
5.7% power demand growth. Gujarat today is on the threshold of an unprecedented
industrial boom, exemplified by the fact that Gujarat accounts for a
quarter of all industrial approvals in the country. A realistic approach
to the power scenario should, therefore, be built on the premise that
the demand for power is slated to grow atleast at the rate of 10% in
the coming years. Looking to this, the State would be needing a minimum
installed capacity of 15,000 MW by the year 2000 AD.
2.0
Objectives
The objectives
of the power policy or for that matter any sectoral policy should subserve
the overall goals of the State in economic development. Basically, the
goals that the State strives to achieve in economic sphere are the rapid
development of productive activities in order to create sustainable
employment opportunities and thereby reduce the level of poverty, particularly
prevailing in rural areas and among the people belonging to Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. It is well recognised
now that economic growth is a must in order to share the fruits of development
more equitably. In this view of the matter the power policy also has
to take into consideration the objectives set in the industrial policy
and other sectoral policies. Having regard to these aspects, the following
would be the objectives of the power policy of the State :
- To
plan and build up adequate capacities in generation, transmission
and distribution of power through efficient and cost effective means.
- To
achieve optimum utilization of existing equipments and assets through
renovation and modernisation.
- To
rationalize the tariff structure to ensure reasonable rate of return
to power utilities and generate surplus needed for future investment.
- To
improve delivery of services and achieve cost effectiveness through
technical , managerial and administrative restructuring of the utilities.
- To
achieve conservation of energy through efficient utilization and demand
side management, and minimising waste.
- To
encourage generation of power through non- conventional sources of
energy.
3.0
Approach
3.1 The
requirements of financial & managerial resources for the growth
in power sector are so vast that the State agencies by themselves will
not be able to cope with. The Government of Gujarat, therefore, have
decided to encourage and facilitate private sector participation in
the fields of generation, transmission and distribution of power supply.
3.2 The
State's approach in this regard will be to foster a transparent and
competitive environment which will provide level playing field both
for private sector and for state sector.The private sector participation
will be encouraged in the field of generation, management of existing
generation system, setting up of transmission lines, transmission and
distribution of power in the manner as envisaged in the Government of
India guidelines. While achieving competitiveness will be the guiding
principle, it is envisaged that there are vast possibilities for co-operative,
complementary and participative ventures between private (both domestic
and foreign) and state sectors in developing the power sector. Specifically,
the following steps will be taken in this regard :
I. Facilitate
infrastructural linkages for early completion of all power projects.
II. Take
advance action to identify project feasibilities, sites and other preparatory
steps to reduce gestation period.
3.3 An
important aspect of the new approach will be restructuring and optimizing
the operations of power utilities by adopting a "profit centre
approach" at power station level where increased autonomy with
accountability will be given to power station authorities.
4.0
Strategy
4.1
Power System Master Plan
It is
intended to prepare a "Power System Master Plan" which will
address itself in a systematic manner to estimating the load forecast,
calculating the regionwise deficit and formulating ways of bridging
this gap. The Master Plan will, among other things, consider :
I. Supply
and demand side management.
II. Identifying
optimum new generation which takes into account most suitable mix of
various types of fuel for power plants.
III. Upgradation
of existing transmission and distribution system so as to reduce losses.
IV. Identifying
new transmission and distribution systems to be set-up.
V. The
locational aspects to remove presently existing regional imbalances
in power availability.
VI. To
achieve cost reduction in generation and distribution of power.
VII. Feasibility
of locating power plants outside the State as well as purchasing power
from other States.
VIII.
Sourcing of funds.
4.1.2
The Power System Master Plan shall be prepared by 30th June, 1996.
4.1.3
A Planning and Monitoring Cell will be set up in the Energy & Petrochemicals
Department. This Cell will be responsible for the implementation of
the Power System Master Plan. This will also ensure speedy implementation
of ongoing and future projects and extend help in obtaining various
clearances from different authorities of the State Government.
4.2
Generation
4.2.1
As on today the generation of power is being carried out by Gujarat
Electricity Board (GEB) or State sector only. State's power policy proposes
to throw open the generation of power to private sector also. The State
will encourage healthy, competitive level playing by both State sector
enterprises and private sector companies in the field of generation.
Government
of India has recently waived the mandatory techno-economic clearance
of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for project with capital cost
upto Rs.400 crores. This is expected to cut down the gestation period
of the project.
4.2.2
The State would provide attractive returns to independent power producers
within the ambit of Government of India guidelines. Selection of IPPs
will follow competitive and transparent route. Power so produced by
IPPs will be purchased at levelised tariff at the bus-bar.
4.2.3
As the part of this privatisation policy, the State has already thrown
open the following 4 projects involving an installed capacity of 2490
MW for open competitive bidding:
- Lignite
based power project at Surka/Kharsaliya 375 MW
- Small
Thermal/Liquid fuel fired power plants (5 x 100 MW) 500 MW
- Coastal
imported coal based power stations (2 x 500 MW) 1000 MW
- Pipavav
Gas/Naphtha Thermal Power Station 615 MW
4.2.4
In order to achieve 15000 MW of installed capacity by the turn of the
century, it will be necessary to plan for additional generation capacity
of about 3250 MW. However, with the State's policy of encouraging setting
up of captive plants by industries, actual gap may be smaller.
4.3
Early Completion and Commissioning of New Units
4.3.1
A major thrust area identified for augmenting generation is early completion
and stabilisation of new units. Owing to factors like multiplicity of
commissioning agencies for main and auxiliary equipments, failure of
suppliers of equipment/auxiliary to adhere to the delivery schedules
and non-completion of projects in time, their synchronisation with the
State Grid has not been satisfactory. With the entry of private sector
as independent power producers, there will be a need to connect them
to the State Grid and synchronise their power plants most efficiently.
Guidelines will be laid down by the State Government to ensure that
each individual unit takes responsibility for the synchronisation, laying
the transmission line,carrying out their work in time so that the power
is evacuated by the State Grid as soon as it is made available.
4.4
Setting up of Small Power Plants
4.4.1
In order to provide quick capacity addition to meet the minimum needs
of the State Grid it is proposed to build a number of small generating
power plants at sub-station level based on liquid fuels. The role of
liquid fuel like Heavy Petroleum Stock (HPS), Low Sulphur Heavy Stock
(LSHS), Heavy furnace Oil (HFO), LNG/Natural Gas, Naphtha has been recognised
by the Government of India.
4.4.2
Because of the advantage of its long coastline dotted with several ports,
Gujarat offers site advantage for port-based liquid fuel power plants
both large and small. Liquid fuel is more eco-friendly compared to lignite
and coal. This strategy can be extended to put up small plants at sub
station level also. Besides, there will be other multiple advantages
such as low capital cost, reasonable operating cost, short gestation
period, reduction in T & D loss and generation of employment in
rural areas. The State Electricity Board has identified such sub-stations
in Kutch, Saurashtra and North Gujarat where small power plants can
be put up near the sub-station or inside the sub-station premises.
4.5
Renovation, Modernisation and Management of Existing Power Plants
4.5.1
An important area which has not received sufficient attention is the
upkeep of existing plants. Some of the power stations in Gujarat have
outlived their original life span. In the absence of surplus generation
capacities, due attention has not been paid to scheduled maintenance,
renovation and modernisation of the existing plants. This has resulted
in unplanned outages and frequent breakdowns. As a result, availability
factor and the Plant Load Factor of a number of plants are below satisfactory
level. It is proposed to increase the operating efficiency of the existing
plants through introduction of professional management and renovation
and modernisation programmes. The process of renovation and modernisation
involves substantial investment. The State proposes to throw open the
renovation and modernisation of the existing plants to private sector
(joint sector) participation which can help in bringing in more efficient
management practices leading to greater availability of power.
4.5.2
In this, the first task is to identify critical components in the plants
that require immediate replacement and renovation. Such renovation/extension
programmes can extend the life by another 20-30 years at a fraction
of the cost of a new plant. By improving the efficiency and utilisation
of the plant, the Plant Load Factor can be increased to 75%. Nearly
5000 million additional units can be generated by this method alone
in the State. Government will encourage the renovation and modernisation
of all plants of State Electricity Board. For this purpose help of private
sector will be taken on case-to-case and merit basis.
4.5.3
Private Sector will be allowed to operate/manage the plants wherever
necessary. Such participation by the private sector may follow the following
routes:
a) Lease,
Rehabilitate, Operate and Transfer (LROT)
b) Joint
Asset Management with State Electricity Boards;
c) Sale
of existing plants to private sector or to any joint sector venture.
4.6
Captive Generation :
4.6.1
In the context of continuing gap between projected generation and demand
for power in the State, the State recognises the need for captive generation
of power by Industries. This will be encouraged by the State as a means
to augment the power supply. Captive generation will ease the burden
on distribution system and also make surplus power available for the
State Grid. Private industries including EOU's will be permitted to
go for captive generation upto 60 MW without any restriction. For higher
captive capacity decision will be taken by the State Government on a
case to case basis.
4.6.2
Co-Generation
The co-generation
combines the process of recovering steam and power from the same single
fuel source. After the power is generated the waste heat from the exhaust
is collected to generate steam. As a result, the utilisation of energy
improves from 30% - 35% to 70%. It also reduces the cost of energy as
the cost of power is shared between power generation and process steam.
The State will encourage the industries to generate steam through co-generation.
This will help waste heat recovery and lead to energy efficiency. There
will be no cap on the quantum of co-generation that can be done by industry.
4.6.3
Gujarat Electricity Board will consider purchase of surplus power from
captive units on mutually agreed terms covering price, timing, quantum
and the period of purchase of power.
4.7
Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
4.7.1
The State realises the importance of renewable sources of energy. The
State shall endeavour to get the maximum benefit out of the non-conventional
and renewable sources of energy which are clean and eco-friendly. The
State today has an installed capacity of 64.52 MW wind power generation
at various locations like Lamba, Okha, Mandvi, Tuna, Thank and Bamanbore.
16 new locations have been identified with a potential of 5000 MW of
power which have a favourable wind speed of 19 to 25 Km per hour. It
is intended to rationalise the incentive scheme for wind farms to attract
more private investors and also simplifying procedure for allotting
government waste land for above purpose.
4.7.2
Large areas of the State have solar insolation of 5.8-6.0 Kwh per sq.mt.
per day. Vast tracts of land in Banaskantha, Kutch and Saurashtra are
ideally suited for tapping solar energy both for generation of power
and green house. It is proposed to encourage setting up of suitable
solar power stations in North Gujarat and Kutch/Saurashtra.
4.7.3
The State has 19 sugar mills which can generate 200 MW of power from
the bagasse. There is also ample scope to generate fuel by bio-generators,
using paddy husk and other biomass that are available in the State.
State will provide suitable incentives to generate power from bagasse/paddy
husk/biomass/agricultural waste.
4.7.4
Gujarat has a large urban population which is expected to cross 50%
of the total population by 2000 AD. The organic urban waste generated
in the urban areas can be used for generation of energy. This will not
only augment scarce energy resources but also go a long way in efficient
disposal of the urban waste.
4.7.5
The State has a large coastline of 1600 Km. The tidal wave altitude
in Gujarat in many places reach nearly 6 mtrs. The technologies for
the efficient use of tidal wave is at developmental stage. The State
will encourage and provide adequate incentives for harnessing tidal
energy.
4.8
Other Sources of Energy
4.8.1
The State has large lignite deposits in North Gujarat at a depth of
600 Mtrs. and below. It is difficult to mine the lignite economically.
Technologies are available which will extract methane gas from the coal-bed
and use this coal-bed methane for running power plants. State will encourage
(private/joint sectors) entrepreneurs to take up coal-bed methane projects
to harness this resource chiefly for power generation.
4.8.2
The scope for Mini/Micro Hydel Power Projects in rivers and canals of
Gujarat is rather limited. However, efforts will be made to harness
100% of the potential by setting up of small Mini/Micro Hydel Power
Projects based on river/canal through private/state/joint sector participation.
4.9
Transmission
4.9.1
In order to provide efficiency in transmission, there is a need to upgrade
the transmission system. The State recognizes the fact that for every
Rupee invested in generation would entail an equivalent amount to be
invested in transmission and distribution system.
4.9.2
The State Power Grid will be maintained by the Gujarat Electricity Board.
In addition to its own generation, GEB will transmit power of different
generating companies for distribution to its own substation in Gujarat
or to the substations of private distribution companies. The necessary
wheeling charges will be paid by the distribution companies.
4.9.3
Gujarat Electricity Board will accord higher investments in the transmission
sector. This will be done by availing funds from international and national
funding agencies and other institutional sources. A time bound programme
will be laid down by the Gujarat Electricity Board to minimise the transmission
losses. Transmission and distribution losses as estimated by GEB are
about 20% compared to all India loss of about 24%. This is around 15%
in Philippines, 18% in Thailand, 12% in South Korea and 9% in Taiwan.
4.9.4
Gujarat Electricity Board will allow private sector units to set up
transmission lines and equipment for or on behalf of Gujarat Electricity
Board. This will be done through a transparent bid and follow the Power
System Master Plan of the State. Gujarat Electricity Board will pay
to the company necessary rental for using their transmission line.
4.9.5
It is proposed to achieve reduction in transmission losses by:-
I. Increasing
the voltage level wherever feasible.
II. Replacing
existing conductors by higher capacity conductors.
III. Reducing
the impedance in transmission lines by continued installation of Static
Capacitors to an optimum level.
IV. Decentralizing
generation at peak period by installation of small power plants as per
clause 4.4.
V. Better
vigilance.
4.10
Distribution
4.10.1
Hitherto distribution of power has been the near monopoly of Gujarat
Electricity Board. The new power policy proposes to throw open distribution
of power to private sector and joint sectors also.
4.10.2
Distribution will be allowed on territorial basis to electricity distributing
companies for their respective franchise area. This will be done through
open competitive bidding process. The territories so identified will
have a proper mix of various classes of consumers. Gujarat Electricity
Board can participate in the equity of new companies entering the field
of distribution in terms of its existing assets such as distribution
lines and transformers. While handing over distribution to territorial
distributing companies adequate care will be taken to ensure that the
employment prospect of existing employees of GEB is not affected.
4.10.3
Each distribution centre will be identified as a Profit Centre. The
executive of the profit centre will be held accountable for loss, theft
as well as be given monetary incentive for better productivity and better
management. Use of electronic meters both for HT and LT power consumers
including single phase services will be resorted to. Use of low cost
unmanned substation will be progressively increased with the 'State-of-the-Art'
SCADA systems. In order to accurately account for the distribution losses,
there is a need to enforce the accountability of every unit of power
that is generated.
4.10.4
All distributing companies will be required to provide timely release
of all connections to various classes of consumers so that the consumers
and the industry do not suffer for want of electricity.
4.10.5
Village Level Helpers Scheme : Since it will be imperative to ensure
proper service backup at the village level, a system of having a panel
of helpers and linemen at the village level will be set up. They will
be trained by GEB/private distributing company and will have access
to tools and equipments of GEB/private distributing company. They will
be employed by the village panchayats as and when need arises.
5.0
Conservation
5.1
Energy Conservation
The State
Government realises the importance of energy conservation as a major
thrust of the power policy. There is a need to have a system that encourages
energy conservation and provides disincentives for the inefficient use
of energy. In order to achieve this :
I. Energy
audit will be made compulsory for all major industrial and large commercial
establishments.
II. Through
suitable directives and fiscal incentives/disincentives, the State Government
will actively promote use of energy efficient equipments like compressed
fluorescent lamp, energy boosters, etc.
III. GEB
will periodically carry out consumers' guidance and education programme
for energy conservation.
5.2 Government
is acutely aware of the fact that the horse power-based-tariff in agriculture
sector has led to inefficient use of energy by farmers. There is no
incentive to install energy efficient pumpsets. Adoption of improved
irrigation methods such as sprinkler drip irrigation system will reduce
the requirement of energy as well as conserve the ground water resources.
The State will take comprehensive steps to induce farmers to adopt energy
and water conservation measures.
5.3 State
is also aware that flat horse power based agricultural tariff has led
to high rate of drawal of found water particularly in North Gujarat.
During the coming years to draw the same amount of water and maintain
the same level of agricultural production, the State will have to provide
for higher and higher energy consumption. This will require creation
of additional generation capacities. Government will lay stress on the
recharging of ground water/aquifiers, modernisation of existing irrigation
system, incentives for better dry land farming which will lead to optimum
utilisation of State's resources and reduction in energy consumption
in the agriculture sector. While putting up new power plants opportunity
cost of such energy conservation measures will be taken into account.
5.4
Environment Conservation/Protective Measures
The State
is heavily dependent on coal and lignite as a prime fuel for its power
plants. This dependence is likely to increase further due to additions
in generating capacity as envisaged in the policy. The indigenous coal
has a greater ash content. The lignite available in the State has a
sizable sulphur content. Government is deeply concerned about the polluting
effect of fly ash, sulphur dioxide, etc. Suitable steps will be taken
for the efficient use of fly ash. Government will encourage the use
of environment friendly technologies in power plants like electrostatic
precipitators, desulphurisation technologies and other technologies/equipments.
The State will encourage the power utilities to generate power from
environment friendly sources such as wind, solar, biogas, tidal energy,
etc.
6.0
Fuel
6.1 In
order to get adequate fuel linkages for the future requirements of power
generation, there has to be adequate and reliable basket of fuel resources.
Gujarat itself is poorly endowed with natural fuel resources such as
coal and hydro. There are small deposits of lignite available in the
State besides Natural Gas, which is available both off-shore and on-shore
in the western region.
6.2 The
quantum of lignite or gas available are not adequate to meet the power
and fuel requirements of the State in the times to come. Coal available
from the eastern states of the country is of low calorific value and
high ash content. Transporting it across the country itself makes it
economically unviable. Moreover, adequate coal linkages are also not
available due to bottlenecks in transportation of coal. As a result,
the State has no option but to go for external supply of fuel resources
such as LNG and imported coal.
6.3 The
State has a geographical advantage of having large number of ports.
This will facilitate the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which
can be used for power generation. It can also be distributed as fuel
consumption in different industries. This will require setting up of
LNG terminals with gas distribution network. The State will actively
encourage such infrastructural development.
7.0
Tariff Structure
7.1 The
State recognizes the fact that there has to be a tariff rationalisation
if private and foreign investments are to be forthcoming in the Power
Sector. Tariff and duty rationalisation is also necessary if one has
to improve the operational efficiency of GEB. On the other hand, grant
of unrestrained freedom to fix the tariff by power utilities will lead
to consumer interest being adversely affected. Looking to this, the
Government proposes to :
I) Set
up an Independent Statutory Power Tariff and Regulatory Commission.
The Commission will among other things call for relevant data from power
utility companies to fix the tariff. Care will be taken to see that
the cost of inefficiency of the public/electricity utilities will not
be passed on to the consumers
II) Revenue
so generated for the utilities should be adequate to sustain the operations
and also to generate adequate surpluses for proper maintenance of plant
and machinery. Utilities should run on commercial principle and earn
adequate rate of return on capital investment
III) Tariff
should be so rationalised to take advantage of higher tariff for peak
hour power consumption.
IV) Government
is committed to continuance of subsidised tariff for agricultural and
socially obligatory activities like drinking water and street lighting
and lighting for urban and rural poor. These subsidies will have to
be explicit, quantified, reasonable and targetted. The Independent Statutory
Power Tariff Commission envisaged above shall take such subsidies into
consideration while determining the tariffs.
8.0
Other Matters
8.1 The
State will have eventually a large number of power utilities in the
field of generation and distribution of power. It is proposed to establish
an association to be named as 'Gujarat Council of Power Utilities'.
This will be on autonomous body. It will provide a forum for meeting
of the power utilities.
8.2 The
Council will also undertake the Research and Development (R & D),
Human Resource Development (HRD), and other related matters such as
need based training as felt by the power utilities. The Council will
act as an apex body for co-ordination amongst utilities as well as an
advisor to the functioning of the system grid.
8.3 The
Gujarat Electricity Board has played a yeoman role in providing adequate
power and fulfilling many social obligations as envisaged by the State
during all these years. Gujarat has achieved nearly 100% electrification.
GEB has built up adequate generation capacity and infrastructure which
has made the State's per capita electric consumption one of the highest
in the country. Social obligations like subsidies to agriculture sector,
street light, drinking water, electricity connections to urban and rural
households has adversely affected the financial health of the GEB. In
order to restore the financial health of GEB, there is a need to restructure
GEB both financially and organisationally.
9.0
Implementation
Implementation
of measures envisaged in this policy will be looked after by a special
implementation cell. The cell will ensure speedy implementation of the
power policy. The Government will set up a high level committee headed
by Chief Secretary to review the progress and implementation of the
power policy.
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