North East to become country's power house: CII report

Shillong, May 22 (UNI) The North Eastern region, with its huge hydro-power potential, can become the power house for the entire nation, according to a report by the Confederation of the Indian Industries (CII).

The region, together with the eastern region that has abundant coal reserves, can contribute in a big way to the country's power scenario, said the report titled 'Empowering North and the North East', prepared by CII and international accounting and consulting firm Ernst&Young.

Stressing the need for implementing reforms in the power sector, the report said the country needed to achieve a minimum of ten per cent annual growth in electricity generation in order to support industries and economic growth.

An estimated investment of 200 billion dollars would be required to generate more than 1,00,000 megawatt of electricity that would ensure electricity to all Indian households by the year 2012, the report said.

UNI SG DKS VP1853