South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (SBPDCL), better known as Discom, has invited fresh bids to select distribution franchisee for Patna.

The idea behind inviting bids from eligible bidders is to hand over the distribution network of Patna to private party and bring professionalism and ensure better power supply in the capital. The franchisee’s job would be to supply and distribute electricity, take down metre readings, distribute bills, collect revenue, maintain low-tension lines and attend fuse-off calls.

Discom has issued fresh tenders on May 29 to select a distribution franchisee for Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (Pesu) area, which covers the urban areas of the state capital. The request for proposal could be obtained between May 29 and July 25 (including online submission of tender). Bidders’ proposal must reach on or before July 25 because the bid would be opened the same day (July 25), sources said.

Sources made it clear that Discom would organise a pre-bid conference on June 7 at the power company’s headquarters, where its officials would clear doubts and queries of the bidders. The power company had on March 21 this year cancelled the tender for selection of distribution franchisee for Patna and Gaya.