No power cut for delayed bill payment in Gujarat
The state finance department has issued a notification ordering that essential services like electricity, water, and gas not be suspended for non-payment of bills, till November 24. The notification comes a day after the PM’s announcement that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes were being withdrawn. The notification said that since the finance department of the central government has imposed certain restrictions on withdrawals – Rs 10,000 from a bank account in a day and Rs 20,000 in a week till November 24 – paying certain bills would not be possible. Hence the state government has ordered all boards, corporations, and companies not to disconnect essential services till that date. Education has also been covered in the notification, as have drainage systems. The state government has also stipulated that no interest shall be recovered on late payments in the period in question. A review meeting was held to discuss these precautionary arrangements. Among those who attended the meeting were the additional chief secretary to the home department, the chairman of finance department, and officials of the Reserve Bank of India and public sector and private banks. Jake Bean Jersey
Siemens Ltd launches its most energy efficient IE3 range of low voltage motors
Siemens Ltd announced the launch of its new range of energy efficient motor SIMOTICS 1LE7. Siemens announced its locally – manufactured IE2 and IE3 industrial motors are capable of offering an average monetary savings of up to 8 – 20 per cent, the company said in a media statement. As of now, 1 out of 2 energy efficient low voltages IE motor sold in India is from Siemens, the company statement added. “These new motors have been introduced to help energy intensive industries like cement, metals, mining, power, textiles, pulp and paper etc., achieve significant reduction in energy consumption and thus reduce their carbon footprint,” said Siemens in a media release. Energy–efficient products for the Indian market are a major part of Siemens sustainability initiative. “Siemens began the manufacturing of motors in India since 1966 and the SIMOTICS 1LE7 will prove to be a reliable and efficient innovation which will boost the performance of energy intensive industries,” said Bhaskar Mandal, Executive Vice President and Country Division Lead, Process Industries & Drives Division, Siemens India Marquel Lee Authentic Jersey
LNG option for power on back burner
Despite a weakening power position in the State owing to the elusive monsoon, there is a lack of interest among authorities to rely on NTPC for additional requirement. The gas-based plant of NTPC at Kayamkulam has been idling for most part of the year in the absence of adequate orders for power generation from the KSEB. Orders The State has been giving orders to the unit to generate electricity as a stop-gap arrangement. Though the government has been maintaining that the higher power generation cost is the reason behind low utilisation of the facility, NTPC has disputed it. While NTPC has been offering power to the State at Rs.6.30 a unit, the actual cost incurred by the government is much less, according to sources in the power sector. The KSEB had been getting 180 MW from the NTPC Talcher plant in Odisha under a special package at Rs.1.20 to Rs.1.80 a unit, sources in the power sector said. Package The package had been offered as a mechanism to offset the impact on Kerala’s power scenario arising out of the higher cost of production at the Kayamkulam unit. The facility has been utilised by the State since 2005. Kerala has been getting over 1100 MW from NTPC units including Kayamkulam. In effect, the average cost of power being supplied to the KSEB by NTPC comes to about Rs.3.50 per unit. In the absence of the reduced rate for power from Talcher, Kerala’s power purchase bill would have gone higher, according to theses sources. Kerala, having an installed power generation capacity of 2,891 MW, has a demand exceeding 4,000 MW. Less than 10 pert cent of the 360 MW capacity of the NTPC plant is being utilised now. Uncertainty With the prevailing uncertainty over the Athirappilly power project, it is certain that the State government will have to depend on alternative sources, but little attention is being paid to utilise power from the Kayamkulam plant to its full capacity. A top official of Petronet LNG said the government could take initiatives such as extending gas pipeline on land or under sea as well as waiving of the local taxes on LNG in a bid to run the Kayamkulam plant throughout the year. “Monetary calculations apart, the induction of LNG as fuel at the plant would usher in an eco-friendly power generation regime in a State which is known for a clean and green environment.” Such a move is all the more relevant now against the backdrop of the recent National Green Tribunal order to four north Indian States to make use of compressed natural gas for running vehicles, in a bid to curb pollution. The critical problems faced by the country’s capital city due to pollution should be an eye opener to Kerala, the official said. Babe Ruth Authentic Jersey
Govt plans to boost setting up of biomass power plants
There is a renewed interest in biomass power plants, which can not only generate electricity but also help dispose of — in a carbon-neutral manner — agriculture waste, burning of which in Punjab and Haryana is partly blamed for the alarming levels of pollution Delhi is experiencing. Minister of New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal held a meeting of top officials on Monday to consider increasing incentives to boost this segment. “We are thinking of a scheme to encourage setting up of biomass plants using agricultural waste, but I cannot say anything more at the moment,” said Santosh Vaidya, joint secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), told ET. The government already provides financial assistance of Rs 20 lakh per MW for setting up biomass power plants, and Rs 15 lakh per MW for co-generation projects by sugar mills (using sugarcane waste left over after juice extraction). Such plants cost around Rs 4.5-6 crore per MW, while generation expense is around Rs 3.25-4.00 per kwH. They are also entitled to concessional import and excise duties while acquiring equipment, as well as a tax holiday for 10 years. But unlike sun and wind energy, this segment has been languishing in India. At the end of 2015-16, the country’s total biomass power installed capacity (along with co-generation units) was 4831.33 MW, with another 1150 MW under construction. Capacity addition has in fact slowed in the past three years, from 465.6 MW in 2012-13 to 412.5 MW in 2013-14, 405 MW in 2014-15 and 400 MW in 2015-16. Barring Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, no state added any biomass power or co-generation capacity in the last fiscal year. Rather, leading players like Orient Green Power have been trying hard to sell off their biomass power assets, as they are not profitable. Punjab has a biomass power and co-generation installed capacity of 155.5 MW, of which around 62.5 MW are in operation. In Haryana, the capacity is 45.3 MW. “The Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) has been urging the Punjab and Haryana governments to set up biomass power plants since 2008 as one of the solutions to Delhi’s pollution crisis,” said Polash Mukerjee, researcher at the Centre for Science and Environment. “A target of 600 MW of installed capacity was set for Punjab years ago, but without any timeline. It has since been revised to 500 MW by 2020.” Six more biomass power plants are under construction in Punjab which on completion will raise effective the capacity to 110 MW from 62.5 MW. “But even after these are completed, they will use up only around 1 million tonne of agricultural waste, which is just 5% of the 20 million tonne Punjab produces,” said Mukerjee. Darius Leonard Womens Jersey
Himachal Governor underlines importance of energy efficiency
Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat today asked the children to come forward and educate their families, neighbourhood and society about the importance of energy conservation. “If every individual works honestly in their respective fields, the country would definitely become ‘Vishwa Guru’, for which there is a need to change the mindset of people,” he said at the prize distribution function of the state-level painting competition on Energy Conservation organised by Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd at Rajbhawan here. The painting competition was held under the National Campaign on Energy Conservation of Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The Governor urged the children to come forward and educate their families, neighbourhood and society about the importance of energy conservation. He said that energy played a vital role in the development of nation and it was the responsibility of every citizen to conserve every bit of it. He also underlined the need to develop a sense of patriotism and dedication towards the nation among the children and added that this spirit of love would help the country in its march towards progress. Devvrat said that unless children were taught values like discipline, patriotism and sensitivity towards those in need, they could not become good citizens. He urged the teachers to sensitise young minds towards issues like environment protection and selfless service towards society. The Governor added that the Rajbhawan had taken several steps to check the misuse of power after taking inspiration from Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL). Vic Beasley Womens Jersey
Adani inaugurates 100 MW solar power plant in Punjab
Adani Enterprises Ltd today said it has inaugurated Punjab’s largest solar power plant of 100 megawatts (MW) at Sardargarh and Chughe Kalan, Bhatinda, with an investment of around Rs 640 crore, set by its subsidiary Adani Green Energy Ltd. The company said it is using top notch technology to set up the entire 100 MW solar plant project which has started commissioning almost six months ahead of schedule. “Indirect and direct employment opportunities were created for a total of around 300-400 personnel, who worked diligently to achieve this feat ahead of its time,” Adani said in a release. Adani further said the solar plant is not only the largest project in Punjab but will also prove to be the largest tracker-based solar project in the country. The technology used for setting up this plant includes Poly Crystalline Silicon PV Modules and Horizontal Single Axis Tracker (HSAT). This plant will be India’s biggest HSAT plant at a single location. The plant spreads over approximately 641 acres of land with the evacuation of 132 kV Balluana Substation through Double circuit 132 KV transmission line. The annual energy yield is expected to be approximately 88,000 Mwh/ annum. Apart from the 100 MW Solar Power Plant in Bhatinda, Adani has a 40 MW solar plant at Bitta, Gujarat and has also recently unveiled a 648 MW solar power project at Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu which is the world’s largest solar power plant in a single location. Moreover the company has also signed a JV with the Rajasthan government to develop the country’s largest solar park in the state with 10,000 MW capacity. Darrin Walls Jersey
Power tariff likely to go up in Andhra
The government is gearing up to give shock treatment to power consumers what with the power utilities giving final touches to revise the existing power tariff upwards by at least 10 per cent. According to highly-placed sources, discoms would present their revenue requirements and earnings statement to chief minister Chandrababu Naidu in a fortnight. Sources said the discoms are reeling under losses to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore and are expecting to recover Rs 2,500-3,000 crore by increasing the tariff to the domestic sector by 10 per cent. Sources said that consumers are sure to face additional burden with higher tariff even if the state government reduced the quantum of increase to around 6-7 per cent. Ironically, the state government has assured the Centre to revise the tariff at least by 5 per cent annually while joining the UDAY scheme as part of the reforms being brought in the energy sector. The AP Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has directed the discoms to submit their tariff proposals for the next financial year (2017-18) by the end of November. The discoms are likely to seek extension of the deadline for submission of their revenue returns with the ERC as the state government has to take a final call on the issue of tariff revision. Sources said that the issue of latest revenues and expenditure of power distribution companies in the state was hotly discussed at the high-level review meeting held in the city on Monday. The meeting was chaired by principal secretary, energy, Ajay Jain in which CMDs of both Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (SPDCL) and Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (EPDCL) — HY Dora and MM Naik — and AP Genco managing director Vijayanand were present. Sources said that the senior officials found the discoms in dire straits and expressed their displeasure for failing to tighten the purses. The situation was in fact noticed at a meeting held about three months ago and the discoms were directed to cut down the costs drastically. However, the continued purchase of power from private sector reported to have bleed the discoms heavily resulting in massive losses. The discoms purchased Rs 22,876 crore worth power during the current year and are estimating that it might go up to Rs 24,000 crore. The discoms are expected to spend Rs 1,000 crore exclusively on transmission costs during the current fiscal from which SPDCL’s share would be around Rs 650 crore and EPDCL’s share around Rs 350 crore. “We will get an exact picture by next fortnight as the exercise of computing the revenues through sales and costs is l being worked out,” said a senior official. A top source said that a decision with regard to the quantum of hike to be proposed before the ERC would be taken only after getting the final revenue reports. Interestingly, AP is ranked one in the country by the World Bank in energy sector. Meanwhile, CPM state secretary P Madhu and CPI secretary K Ramakrishna have demanded that the state government withdraw any proposal to hike power tariff as it would impose a heavy burden on the consumers. Tyler Higbee Authentic Jersey
BYPL partners with Sensus to implement Advanced Metering Infrastructure solution
Reliance Infrastructure backed BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) has signed an agreement with Sensus, a Xylem brand, and global supplier of smart meters and utility-grade communications systems. The agreement, signed at the India-UK Tech Summit, will enable BYPL to use FlexNet, Sensus’ advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solution, in BYPL, Delhi Service area on a trial basis. This technology trial will start in the next three to four months and will simplify installation and commissioning of the Sensus FlexNet AMI solution in BYPL, Delhi. “The FlexNet Long Range Radio technology has exceptional penetration and reach to enable a simple and robust architecture for all applications. It will also help BYPL, Delhi to reduce power theft, data loss and improve billing and collection processes,” BSES said. BYPL’s requirements for coverage, capacity and longer-term needs of smart grids will be met, without significant additional investment, by the Sensus FlexNet AMI solution, BSES said. “I am sure this technology will help fulfil BYPL’ requirements for coverage, capacity and longer-term needs of smart grids without significant additional investment. This trial will provide a huge fillip to our endeavour in this direction and enable us to draw on Sensus’ wide ranging global expertise,” BYPL CEO P R Kumar said. Jaleel Scott Womens Jersey
Noida power discom promises to fix power snags in 15 minutes
The power discom has formed a quick response team (QRT) to look into local faults in Noida and fix them. The team, which started functioning from November 1 and comprises 18 sub-divisional officers (SDOs) and about 50 junior engineers (JE), has to repair local or distribution faults in areas under them within 15 minutes of being informed . After the system is put in place, the entire Gautam Budh Nagar district will be put under QRTs by December this year. Mukul Singhal superintending engineer, PVVNL, said that he has been concerned about repeated complaints of power cuts because of local faults which have taken more than an hour to repair. “I’ve been aiming at streamlining the process of distribution since long. Consumers have had to bear the brunt of being without electricity. That’s why I’ve instructed all SDOs and JEs to look into any such issue within 15 minutes,” Singhal said. According to Singhal, the SDOs and JEs would be assigning the sectors under their area to different teams to address faults. “Earlier, linemen and officials would take hours to even respond to a complaint and the consumers would be left waiting. This move is to ensure that the time frame leads to work getting done faster,” Singhal said. Under the measure, the QRT team will be expected to report to the problem spot within ten minutes of receiving the complaint and start work on fixing the problem. “This will reduce the time wasted in identifying the problem and getting on to fixing it,” Singhal said. As of now, more than 20 sectors have been covered under such QRTs. They include sectors 22, 23, 24, 25, 32, 33 and 35. By and by, more sectors will be covered. Further, a log sheet will be maintained which will entail details of the complaint such as time taken to address the problem from the time it was reported. “If the problem gets resolved in more than the stipulated time, then I’ll take the necessary actions against the official or in the event of distribution error, I will look into providing the necessary boost to the infrastructure,” Singhal said. He said that if the system works fine, then the entire district will be placed under such QRTs by December. “The aim is to have the entire district, including rural areas, covered under these teams so as to ensure seamless supply of power with minimal time spent on addressing the problem areas,” Singhal said.
India Power to launch drive against power thieves in Gaya
Now that the festive season is over, India Power, the private company holding franchise for power distribution in Gaya town, Bodh Gaya and Manpur is all set to launch a drive against power thieves. A few days back, the company was pulled up by Gaya district magistrate Kumar Ravi for its failure to lodge FIR against the wrongdoers. In October, just one FIR was lodged by the company. Company DGM Rakesh Ranjan said it was due to the festive season that we did not take any initiative. Now post Chhath, the company will launch a drive against power theft, said Ranjan. As per an estimate, nearly 60% of the available power was being stolen/consumed free. According to India Power sources, as against the supply of 60 million units a month, the company was getting a revenue for only 22 million units. The failure of the power company to lodge cases against power thieves also resulted in revenue loss to the state, as a part of the penalty imposed by courts goes to the state coffer via South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd. During the review, besides directing India Power to lodge criminal case against power thieves, the DM also expressed concern over complaints of billing anomalies, particularly the practice of estimated billing. Power users of the town have been demanding billing on the basis of actual power consumption and not estimated power consumption. Asked about the practice of estimated billing, India Power deputy general manager Rakesh Ranjan said the company always tries to present bill on the basis of actual consumption and in the urban area about 80% billing is done on the basis of actual consumption. In 20% cases, estimated bills were presented as photo reading of the meters was problematic in many cases on account of several factors, including wrong address of consumers and unavailability of consumers at the time of meter reading. Conceding that power theft was a serious impediment in the execution of company’s programmes, Ranjan said the continuance of 40,000 old meters and 20,000 unmetered power users was responsible for revenue loss to the company. Besides direct power theft, old meters also cause huge loss to the power company. The process of replacement of old meters with electronic ones is still on. In several cases, consumers resist the installation of electronic meters, said the power company official. Barkevious Mingo Authentic Jersey