Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed to chalk out a long-term strategy to renovate old power plants and reduce per unit power generation cost. The Chief Minister was reviewing activities of Energy Department here on Thursday. Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa was also present on the occasion.
Chouhan reviewed power supply situation, revenue recovery and progress of feeder separation work. He directed to ensure 10-hour power supply daily for agriculture. Dysfunctional transformers must be replaced and remaining work of feeder separation should be completed within time-limit. Power companies should provide better facilities and conduct of staff with consumers should be decent. He said that efforts should be made to ensure qualitative improvement in supply and recovery. Condition of power bill no-dues must be made mandatory for issuance and renewal of arms licences.
It was informed that 200 million units of power are being supplied at present. Short-term power was not purchased in the state even for a single day. The current power supply is the highest in the history of Madhya Pradesh. Power is being supplied 24X7 in villages, cities and industries. Feeder separation’s 70 percent work has been completed including 94 per cent in Western region and 80 per cent in Eastern region. Central region is lagging.
Now, feeder separation work in this region has also gained momentum. Recovery of electricity dues has increased by 7.6 per cent during last two months. Preparations have been made to supply 10 thousand 370 MW power during December. Power companies’ revenue has increased by 23.6 per cent till November this year. Three committees have been constituted for chalking out strategy for power sector reforms which will recommend about qualitative improvement in metering, billing and collection, reduce distribution losses and power purchase cost.
Secretary Energy ICP Kesari, Secretary to CM Vivek Agrawal and officers of Energy Department attended the meeting.