Transmission and distribution losses high: PM

New Delhi, Mar 21 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said there is an urgent need to check the high transmission and distribution losses plaguing the electricity sector in the country.

There is also need for reforms in power distribution and pricing which is vital for the country's energy security, the Prime Minister said.

''High transmission and distribution losses and constant theft of electricity are unacceptable propositions. These need to be tackled truly on a war-footing. I sincerely hope we can forge a broad national consensus on the challenges we face in this vital sector of our economy,'' Dr Singh said after presenting the National Awards to Power utilities for meritorious performance.

''I am glad that parameters such as Transmission and Distribution losses, financial turnaround and metering of feeders have been considered while evaluating the performance of distribution companies for the purpose of the award. But we need to do much more if we have to attain financial sustainability,'' he said.

Dr Singh said demand side management has not received adequate attention in the past. There is a need for consciously planning and adopting energy efficient equipment, gadgets and lighting devices to save power.

''The total addition of generation capacity in the 10th Plan was just above 50 per cent of what was targeted. We need to do much better if we have to ensure that electricity does not become a constraint on our economy.'' The power sector must grow to meet the needs of industry and agriculture, the needs of urban areas and rural areas, the needs of our households, our farms and factories, Dr Singh said.

The Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority should motivate and encourage various utilities to compete with each other in securing this national recognition.

The Prime Minister called upon all Central and State utilities to utilise generating capacity to the maximum possible extent through the adoption of best practices and regular maintenance of generating units. Stating that high transmission and distribution losses and theft of electricity are unacceptable, he underscored the need for reforms in the distribution sector.

''When a premier State like Maharashtra, day after day, month after month, faces the trauma of power shortages even during those days when children have to prepare for exams, I think that's a measure of gap in our performance. Therefore I sincerely hope all those who are involved in planning and in the execution of power sector requires some introspection as to what is that what has gone wrong, as how best together we can make up for the loss,'' Dr Singh said.

The UPA government, he said has accorded high priority for the development of the power sector. The installed capacity in the country today is close to 1,30,000 MW. However, with the acceleration of economic growth, the demand for power has outstripped its supply.

The Prime Minister said the Plant Load Factor of thermal power stations has increased steadily over the last few years and has reached 76.2 per cent in the year 2006-07 as compared to less than 70 per cent five years ago.

UNI