Coal-based thermal power identified in 11th Plan

Shillong, Sep 5: Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission chairman Vinay Kohli today said the recent announcement of power policy by the state government laid down the ground rules for developing the state's exploitable potential.

This is estimated to be 3,000 MW of hydro-electric power. Besides, 2,000-3,000 MW of coal-based thermal power had also been identified for development in the 11th plan.

He said soon-to-be-reformed Me SEB could not alone shoulder the responsibility of meeting the state's rapidly expanding power requirement, adding that a proactive approach to attract investment was necessary.

The Meghalaya governor said the 2003 Electricity Act did away with licensing of generation. The purpose was to create opportunities for accelerated investment.

''The installed capacity in the state stands at 185 MW against the requirement of 610 MW and we expect an additional 84 from Leshka next year,'' he said adding that the long-awaited power policy of the state had been announced and the concept of throwing open the sector to private investment had received official encouragement.

The imminent reform of the Electricty Board had also been announced. Besides hydro-electricity, due emphasis had been placed on adding the vast coal reserves by generating thermal power, he said.

Reconsidering the primary role played by the Me SEB in pioneering power generation in the state, it also made it abundantly clear that there was a need to attract additional investment beyond the capacity of the board.

He said achieving economies of scale and control over costs was vital factor. The Electricity Act guaranteed fair returns on investment and that installation of new power lines, use of non-conventional sources and involving local communities was required to be pursued with greater vigour.

Meghalaya chief Secretary R Chatterjee released ''Electricity Regulations in Meghalaya 2007'' book in the presence of large gathering in the meeting.

UNI