The Energy secretary Radhika Jha chaired a virtual meeting to review works of the UJVN Limited, Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL) and Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) here on Tuesday.

She directed that staff members of all the corporations under the department should be vaccinated against Covid. The secretary discussed preparations for power supply in the monsoon, undisrupted power supply to hospitals and oxygen plants, revenue collection, strengthening metering, billing and collection, smart metering, under construction hydro power projects and other issues.

UPCL managing director Neeraj Khairwal informed that all preparations have been completed for power supply during the monsoon. High level reviews are being undertaken to ensure continuous power supply to oxygen plants.  To increase revenue collection, the corporation is taking various steps like encouraging digital payment and increasing the number of collection centres. As the managing director of PTCUL, Khairwal informed that the corporation is undertaking preparations for disruption-free power transmission during the monsoon season. Oxygen plants are being provided electricity without disruption. Construction of various sub stations under PTCUL is underway and expected to be completed on time, he said.

UJVNL managing director Sandeep Singhal said that power generation is being ensured while following Covid protocols in all the power houses of the corporation. Considering the Covid protocol, the corporation is attempting to complete construction of the Vyasi project, other mini hydro power projects and RMU projects on time. However, as a number of those working in the Vyasi project got infected by Covid-19, the completing of this project’s construction may be delayed by a month. About 50 per cent of employees in the power houses have been vaccinated, he said.

UREDA director Khairwal informed about the progress of various works under the agency.

Jha directed the corporations and agency to set up control rooms for constant monitoring and swift action for maintaining the electricity supply taking cognisance of the weather warnings issued by the meteorological centre. Best practices of various states should be studied and considered for implementation in UPCL. In case of disruption in electricity supply, focus should be laid on ensuring swift action and minimising the duration of power cut, she said. Jha said that UREDA should provide full cooperation at various levels for development of solar projects allotted to different developers. Action should be taken as per rules against the developers who are not implementing the projects. She also directed UJVNL to ensure completion of maintenance of all power plants on time while also achieving the annual production target.