AP Govt increases tariff of wind power

Hyderabad, Aug 23 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today decided to increase the tariff for the power produced through wind power to Rs 3.10 per unit.

The AP Electricity regulatory Commission would allow tariff to be raised up to Rs 3.37 per unit. The current installed capacity of wind power is 107 MW only and the Discoms are paying only Rs 2.70 per unit.

Since most of the other states wherein renewable energy power projects were established are offering much higher tariffs and no significant capacity addition had been made in the State, Dr Reddy expressed hope that with the hike in tariffs, wind power capacity addition might go up to 1000 MW.

The Chief Minister, who reviewed the power situation and the progress of various power projects, asked the AP Genco to advance as various power projects so that the ever-rising energy demand of the state could be meet.

He reviewed in detail all the power projects and told Genco that they should insist private power producing units in the State to speed up their projects.

Dr Reddy also approved BHEL's proposed Integrated Coal Gasification combined Cycle Power project of 125 MW at Vijayawada Thermal Power Station. AP Genco would incur the expenditure of the the power plant, he said.

The Chief Minister asked AP Transco to be ready to meet the eventuality of heavy demand for power and make arrangements to meet the shortages, if occured at any point of time.

Dr Reddy said he would urge the Union Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohan Dev to speed up the supply of turbines from BHEL to advance the power projects in Andhra Pradesh.

UNI