Part privatisation of power discoms likely
After facing opposition for over a year against privatising power distribution across Haryana, discoms may finally be bracing for the move, which aims to augment maintenance and operations while cutting down aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses. Aggrieved employees opposing the move — handover to private firms is likely to result in their dismissal — told TOI the power discoms have gone ahead with the proposal, dating back to FY 2006-07, when the government decided to emulate states like Delhi, Mumbai and Gujarat, where privatisation has been successful. Discom officials, though, denied they were being “privatised”, wary of the potential backlash it might spark, especially when worker unions were threatening strikes. Instead, they claimed the department was going to “outsource” maintenance and operations to private firms. The decision, officials said, was proposed in FY 2006-07, soon after similar action took off with flying colours in cities like Delhi, where distribution was handed over to private players, with Reliance Infrastructure and Tata Power taking the lead. Post privatisation, which began in 2002, loss reduction in Delhi was brought down from 45% to 5%, while cumulative savings peaked at Rs 30,000 crore in the first 10 years. Haryana government sought to take a cue from this, officials claimed. But opposition from union workers threw a spanner in the works. But now, power discoms seem eager to expedite the process. On December 7, five days after 178 of them had been intimated about their sackings, the union held demonstrations. To assuage their concerns, the government said none of them would be laid off. “We have called off the strike for now, as the department has agreed to our demands and they will not sack anybody,” said Devi Singh, member of All Haryana Power Corporation Workers Union. “We’re all for better power maintenance but not at the expense of workers losing their jobs.” Even on Wednesday, union workers sought meetings with senior power officials, expressing their dismay over the project. However, a senior official confirmed to TOI on Tuesday that employees who exceed the sanctioned strength will have to go. The “outsourcing” is taking place in all 23 of Haryana’s sub-divisions on trial basis. Though the trial will run only in one or two sub-divisions in each circle, it will span all five sub-divisions in Gurgaon circle, including Sohna road, Sector 18 Maruti, DLF City, South City and Badshapur. “We’re not privatising. Only operations and maintenance of lines are being given to a firm on trial basis. The government will decide what to do with it after that,” an official involved in the project told TOI. He, however, stopped short of confirming exactly what the government would do, after the trials have run successfully. “I can’t comment on that,” he said cryptically. The privatisation is likely to benefit consumers, said a former official of HERC, wishing anonymity. “If, for example, some lines break down or a snag develops, the operators will make sure repairmen reach there in real time to check the issue,” he said. “They will do proper numbering of electricity poles, and glitches will be closely monitored.” The move will also curtail line losses across the state. Gurgaon, where the trial will run across all five sub-divisions, suffers only 10-15% in transmission and distribution losses, among the lowest in the state. The Gurgaon trails will incur a cost of up to Rs 52 lakh, an official added. Malcom Brown Authentic Jersey
Sudhir Nayak elected to IBAC governing board
In an indication of India’s growing influence in the global aviation space, Sudhir Nayak, Business Head of the Mukesh Ambani’s aviation venture Reliance Commercial Dealers Ltd, has been elected to the Montreal-based International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) governing board. This is the first time in the history of IBAC that an Indian national would be a part of the prestigious aviation body. Nayak, who has been elected for the post of Treasurer at IBAC, would hold this executive position at IBAC for a three year term, commencing January 2017. IBAC is the flag bearer of business aviation worldwide, with permanent observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN Specialized Agency for aviation matters. “It is an honour and a matter of privilege to be part of the governing board at IBAC. We look forward to greater interactions on this global platform to enable a more efficient policy structure for our sector and inculcate best practices from across the world,” Nayak, who is also member of governing board of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), said in a statement to PTI. The BAOA is the apex body of domestic business and general aviation operators. “This is the first time that we will see an Indian being part of the Governing Board of IBAC. His appointment is a testament not only to his skills, but also to the growing scope of India’s Business Aviation sector,” Jayant Nadkarni, BAOA President, said on Nayak’s election to the post. Nayak’s election to the executive position in IBAC is a unique honour and exemplifies India’s growing recognition in global business aviation frontiers, Nadkarni added. “It is an honour and a matter of privilege to be part of the Governing Board at IBAC. We look forward to greater interactions on this global platform to enable a more efficient policy structure for our sector and inculcate best practices from across the world,” said Sudhir Nayak, Member of Governing Board, BAOA. IBAC comprises 14 business aviation associations around the world, representing the industry for their 11,000 members in 77 countries across six continents. It actively works to ensure that global aviation standards reflect business aviation’s needs and benchmarks industry-leading standards for safety and efficiency. Shaq Thompson Authentic Jersey
Fog flop: AI, SpiceJet get DGCA rap
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pulled up Air India and SpiceJet for poor preparedness in running operations during fog, despite advisories on November 30 and December 1. In a letter dated December 12, the regulatory body said both airlines had to divert flights either because aircraft were operated by nonCAT III qualified captains or the aircraft themselves being non-CAT III compliant. “During low-visibility procedures, there were three diversions, one each of Air India, Air India Express and SpiceJet. Further, there had been 38 cancellations (24 departures and 14 arrivals) and 362 delays (179 departures and 183 arrivals),“ the letter stated. The letter added that “it seems the airlines are not geared up for safe operations during low-visibility period of the season“. DGCA warned that unless CAT-III qualified pilots were deployed to and from IGI airport during low visibility , “this office will be constrained to cancel the approval granted to the flights, which get diverted during low visibility and operated by nonCAT III qualified crew“. Air India refused to comment on the letter, while SpiceJet couldn’t be contacted for a reaction despite repeated attempts. Earlier, DGCA had mandated the close monitoring and planning of flights according to weather forecasts and in coordination with IMD, DIAL, DGCA and Airports Authority of India. It had also said that in case of zero visibility, no flight should be planned for Delhi. DGCA had also said that non-CAT III compliant air craft would have to be rescheduled between 10am and 8pm during fog. It wanted prior information of any delay or rescheduling of flights to be given to the passengers. Between December 1, 2015 and January 31, 2016, there were 25 diversions (13 international, 12 domestic) at IGI airport as compared to 59 diversions in the corresponding period in 2014-15. Flight disruptions still happen despite more advanced equipment as there are range limitations even in these. A CAT IIIB equipped aircraft needs minimum visibility of 50 metres against 300 metres in CAT II aircraft. Joe Berger Authentic Jersey
Sinha lauds Hyderabad airport for becoming carbon neutral
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha today appreciated the Hyderabad Airport achieving carbon neutral status. “Hyderabad Airport sets a standard in aviation achieving carbon neutral status in the age of Climate Change,” he said on a social networking site. John Carlson Jersey
IATA full marks for ‘open’ aviation policy; will now assess implementation
The Modi Government came in for some praise from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for putting together a civil aviation policy although the head of the global aviation body was quick to add that how it is implemented will also be assessed. “It will be among the most open. But then you have the plan and then you have the execution of the plan. So, we will of course judge the plan as it is designed, but we will also assess the way the Government will implement it practically. We know that the devil is in detail everywhere,” Alexandre de Juniac said in a response to a question from BusinessLine. de Junaic ADJ, added that IATA felt that in terms of developing infrastructure and international air traffic, the Indian plan is positive and will have a positive effect on aviation. The IATA DG said that he did not see protective issues in the Indian market, which is borne out by the fact that more and more foreign operators are coming to India like Singapore Airlines with Tata and AirAsia for setting up domestic arilines. “We see the Indian aviation market as more and more open,” he added. Danilo Gallinari Jersey
VVIP airport to chronicle aviation history
The high-security Safdarjung Airport may be made partially open to public, with the Centre deciding to build an integrated headquarters for several aviation agencies next to its iconic central dome. The airport is currently used only for VVIP choppers and small government aircraft. “A five-storey building will be constructed as the combined headquarters for Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Some space has also been allocated to the Airports Authority of India,” said AAI chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra. On the ground floor of the headquarters, an exhibition hall will be built. It will display art works from Air India’s (AI)collection and rare photographs by AAI chronicling the evolution of airports in India. This section is likely to be thrown open to public in the next three years. “People can take a look at paintings and photographs from the AI and AAI collection respectively,” Mohapatra said. Sean Taylor Authentic Jersey
California governor seeks permanent ban on offshore drilling
Obama last month released a plan that bans any new oil drilling off the coasts of California. California Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday asked President Barack Obama to permanently ban new offshore oil and gas drilling in the state before he leaves office. If Obama agrees, the edict would set up a potential showdown with the incoming administration of Donald Trump. Brown said he didn’t know if Trump would have the authority to overturn a permanent prohibition. “California is blessed with hundreds of miles of spectacular coastline, home to scenic state parks, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife and thriving communities,” Brown wrote to Obama. “Clearly, large new oil and gas reserves would be inconsistent with our overriding imperative to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat the devastating impacts of climate change.” Working to lock in environmental protections as the clock runs out on his presidency, Obama last month released a plan that bans any new oil drilling off the coasts of California, Oregon or Washington state until 2022. The White House declined to comment on Brown’s request to make the ban permanent. Brown said he would invite fellow Democratic governors of Oregon and Washington to join the effort, which he announced at an event to launch a new organization to protect oceans. Those states also joined the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification, which includes the governments of France, Chile, the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Quebec, businesses and advocacy groups. Many Democrats in California’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, have urged Obama to use executive authority to permanently block oil and gas leasing on the West Coast. In 2014, Brown asked for a ban on Pacific offshore drilling through 2022, but climate activists have pushed him to ask for a permanent ban. Skyli McAfee, national oceans director for the environmental advocacy group The Nature Conservancy, said she was “extremely pleased at how seriously (Brown) is taking the issue and his reliance on the academic community.” An oil industry group, the Western States Petroleum Association, called Brown’s effort unrealistic, and said it ignores the state’s energy needs. “If offshore production is banned it will force us to import more oil from foreign sources,” the association said in a statement. “That oil is produced under less stringent environmental regulations, and its transportation to California will create an increase in greenhouse gases and other pollutants.” The group added that offshore drilling has been done safely and responsibly for decades. Brown later joined the Western Governors Association’s winter meeting, where he warned against expectations of major policy changes happening quickly under Trump. He said Congress and the judiciary serve as checks on the president and that differences tend to narrow over time. “If the world ends, we’re in deep trouble, but that hasn’t happened yet,” Brown said at a news conference, responding to a question about the consequences of overturning the Affordable Care Act. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, said he didn’t expect significant changes under Trump toward states like his that have legalized recreational use of marijuana. Hickenlooper said Democrats may find themselves in the unusual position of advocating for states’ rights in a Trump administration, a stance more commonly associated with Republicans. Idaho Gov. Butch Otter, a Republican, wrapped his arm around Hickenlooper and said, “Welcome to the party.” Willie Brown Authentic Jersey
Iran ultimatum on gasfield
ONGC Videsh Ltd’s (OVL) prospects to develop the Farzad B gasfield in Iran, which is estimated to hold 18.75 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of in-place reserves, appear to be slipping away with Tehran warning to call global bids after March. Senior officials of OVL recently visited the Islamic nation to discuss the development plan for the field and the gas price formula keeping in view the global price scenario, sources said. However, they said Iran was not satisfied with the OVL-led consortium’s proposal and had given time till March-end to come up with a fresh offer. Iran has said it can call a global bidding if it finds OVL’s proposal unsatisfactory even then. OVL officials are expected to visit Tehran in the next two weeks to discuss Iran’s concerns and come up with an alternative plan. Analysts said this was not the first time that Iran had warned of calling global bids for the field. However, with several global players keen to exploit oil and gasfields in the Islamic nation following the lifting of sanctions, Tehran may be more inclined towards a better deal rather than sticking it out with India for maintaining trade ties during the hard times. Iran is reportedly unhappy with the $10-billion plan submitted by OVL to develop 12.5 tcf reserves in the Farzad-B field and an accompanying plant to liquefy the gas for transportation in ships. It maintains that the $5-billion cost that OVL and its partners has quoted to develop the field is on the higher side and wants it to be reduced. OVL will earn a fixed rate of return and gets to recover all the investment it has made in the field. India, however, feels that Iran is not correct in comparing the Farzad-B field with the South Pars field. The former is more complex and has a high sulphur content, which adds to the production and handling costs. The consortium had spent $900 million in the Farzad-B field to study the block following a 2002 preliminary pact with the Iranian authorities. The two sides did not sign any formal contract to exploit the resources till date because of the US sanctions. A consortium of ONGC Videsh Ltd, Oil India and Indian Oil Corporation had discovered gas in the block in 2008. OVL and IOC hold 40 per cent interest each in the block, while the remaining 20 per cent is with Oil India. Bruce Smith Jersey