Haryana to invest 16000 cr in power sector

New Delhi, July 7 (UNI) Haryana government will invest Rs 16000 crore for doubling its power generation to 8000 MW, its transmission and distribution during the 11th plan period, state Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Power) R N Prashar said here today.

About Rs 6000 crore will be allocated to augment generation capacity, another Rs 6000 crore would go for transmission and the balance Rs 4000 crore would be invested to expand the distribution system. New plants will come up in Yamunanagar, Hissar, and Jhajjar, Mr Prashar added.

''We have gone into MoUs for setting up power generation plants based on gas, with different state players. Discussions are also on for the approval for a nuclear power plant near Fatehabad,'' Mr Prashar said.

The state government is also taking initiatives to reduce power theft, he said. ''New tamper-proof meters have been installed and surveillance too has been increased.'' Mr Prashar also hinted at increased tariffs on electricity due to increased fuel and transportation costs.

Haryana had recorded the lowest ever coal consumption as well as lowest auxillary and oil consumption for the year 2004-05.

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