High energy hopes

Power company officials, buoyed by an average energy withdrawal of 2,580MW last month, have set their eyes on increasing it to around 3,000MW by the year-end.

The two distribution companies — North Bihar Power Distribution Company and South Bihar Power Distribution Company — have initiated measures to increase availability and strengthen the transmission and distribution network for urban and rural consumers.

Companies that drew 1,000MW in May 2012, withdrew 2,400MW to 2,500MW last month, Bihar State Power (Holding) Company deputy general manager (public relations) H.R. Pandey said. Earlier, in May 2013, the withdrawal had increased to 1,800MW.

The companies, including transmission firms and distribution companies, intend to invest Rs 22,000 crore for strengthening the transmission and distribution network in three years’ time, Pandey added.

The average power withdrawal of 2,580MW has encouraged officials concerned to make efforts to achieve the target of supplying 2,800 to 3,000MW, Pandey said.

There are, however, two major constraints in achieving the target. First is the lack of infrastructure to transmit and distribute power while the second is funds crunch to purchase energy.

The companies have started work to improve and strengthen the transmission and distribution network under schemes such as Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, restructured accelerated power development and reforms programme and the state government’s plans.

According to the plan, money would be spent to set up agriculture feeder, lay new cables, replacing old ones, replace transformers on demand, increase the capacity of existing transformers and expand the network to add new consumers. They would also work to ensure village electrification with an emphasis on providing power on demand.

Other measures, too, would be undertaken under the restructured accelerated power development and reforms programme. It would include laying of new cables (aerial bunched and underground), setting up additional power sub-stations and installing new poles and distribution transformers apart from ensuring capacity augmentation of distribution transformers.

The completion of the measures, the officials believe, would not only ensure quality supply (with full voltage) but also help the distribution company restore power quickly in the event of a breakdown. The purpose behind strengthening the distribution network is also to reduce the overall aggregate technical and commercial loss to strengthen the financial condition of the power utility firm.

A power official said funds were necessary to improve the infrastructure and also purchase energy. Company sources said the distribution companies have taken several steps to reduce the deficit and ensure more collection. These include installing meters in every household, distributing bills, giving consumers several options for bill payment.