AP to add 14,000 MW during XI Plan: Minister

Hyderabad, July 20 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government proposed to add 14,000 MW of power at a cost of Rs 40,000 crore during the XIth Plan period, Energy Minister Mohd Ali Shabbir informed the State Assembly today.

Replying to a query from Mr D Sreenivasa Rao (Congress), the Minister said the Congress Government was particular that the new power plants should be commissioned by the public sector Generation Corporation.

He took a dig at the previous TDP Government for allowing gas-based power plants in the private sector without adequate gas availability and entering into agreements 'heavily loaded in favour of private power producers' who did not generate any power.

This cost the exchequer Rs 1,200 crore per annum towards fixed costs, he claimed.

The State Electricity Regulatory Commission in its tariff order for the current fiscal allowed transfer of profits from two power distribution companies to the state government to invest in Krishnapatnam and Kakatiya Thermal Projects, he said adding all distribution companies had improved their financial position in the last two years.

UNI