Tata, Reliance show interest in HPGCL power projects

Chandigarh, July 31 (UNI) Representatives of about one dozen companies, including Tata Power and Reliance Energy Ltd, came forward to make preliminary enquiries in a pre-bid conference arranged by the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd (HPGCL) here today.

The HPGCL has invited proposals for supply of 2,000 MW power from the projects, to be set up at non-identified locations or fuel and also 1,150 thermal power plants, to be set up at Jhajjar on a long term basis through competitive bidding route as per the guidelines of Union Ministry of Power.

Among other companies which evinced interest in power supply projects were Lanco Group, GMR, Jindal Stainless Steel, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd and CLP.

Giving details, HPGCL Managing Director Jyoti Arora said the government had planned to add nearly 6,000 MW power in the 11th plan. Efforts were on to add about 4,000 MW power during the next three to four years within the state.

This would be in the state sector as well as through Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

She said about all major groups in the field of power generation had purchased the bid documents. With a view to having interaction with the bidders and to replying all types of queries, the HPGCL had convened the pre-bid conference.

Ms Arora said the plant which would be set up in Jhajjar would have the mega status and power would be supplied to consumers at reasonable rates.

She said the HPGCL had given the highest priority to arrange and supply adequate power to industrial, agriculture and other categories of consumers for which all the arrangements like setting up of new power projects, more power generation in its own plants by modernising the existing units, short term and long term power purchase agreements have been made so far.

Talking to bidders, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Power) Ashok Lavasa said the state would have 90 per cent of the power to be generated at Jhajjar project. The producer would be free to sell the balance 10 per cent of power anywhere throughout the country.

The state would ensure availability of corridors for supplying power to the areas outside the state if desired by the bidder, he added.

UNI