Power situation better this year: Minister

Mumbai, Jun 9 (UNI) Maharashtra Energy Minister Dilip Valse-Patil today declared that due to better management and an improved availability of power, the power crisis in the State was not as severe as last year.

Speaking to the media, Mr Valse-Patil said in April-May last year, the state had faced load shedding of 5,500 Mega Watt, while this year, there was load shedding of 4,500 MW.

He said the scheme of separating feeders for village and farms had paid off well. That could bring down transmission losses by a record seven per cent this year, while the figure for last three years was total 12 pc, saving on Transmission and Distribution losses.

''One per cent point corresponds to a saving of Rs 180 crore,'' the Minister pointed out.

''The three companies formed after the break-up of the erstwhile Maharashtra State Electricity Board have completed three years on June 6 and all have declared profits for the last fiscal,'' added Mr Valse-Patil.

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