Need to build robust power transmission network in Maha:Chavan

Mumbai, Feb 14 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief MinisterPrithviraj Chavan today said that there was a need to build arobust transmission network for evacuating power in the state.

"We have enough generation capacity. But the problem isin transmission network. We need to build a robusttransmission network to ensure that the power generated in thestate is evacuated properly and supplied to the grid," Chavantold reporters after a meeting of all state electricityregulators held here.

Investing in power generation will be of no use if thetransmission network is not strengthened, he said.

On the controversy over the open access regime thatgrants freedom to consumers to choose their distributor butalso grants freedom to the utilities to choose theirconsumers, Chavan said there was a need to build a politicalwill to implement this.

"Many states have politically controlled regulatorycommissions. But the main handicap is that only electricity isregulated. Its allied sectors including coal, petroleum,transport, roads and airports do not have a regulator. If aregulatory commission is set up for these sectors, thepressure on this (electricity) sector will be reduced," hesaid.

Chavan asserted that Maharashtra would be free ofload-shedding by 2012.