Power firms feel let down by ministry?s attitude

Private power project developers ? who are expected to contribute over 50% of the capacity addition envisaged by the government during the coming 12th Plan ? feel that they are let down by the power ministry?s hands-off approach on key issues like coal linkage, water supply as well as regulatory clearances.

Written by Noor Mohammad

March 17, 2011 22:32 IST

The government has envisaged 100 gw capacity addition under its 12th Plan programme. The power ministry is responsible for coordinating with other central ministries as well as state governments on key issues relating to the sector. Its support is crucial for developers for tying up critical physical inputs as also for securing regulatory approvals.

?There is a confusion about the power ministry?s role so far as private sector is concerned,? said Harry Dhaul, direct general, independent power producers association (IPPAI). He alleged that the industry didn?t get an opportunity to present its case before the ministry. Lack of interaction with the industry keeps the power ministry officials largely uninformed about the situation, Dhaul said.

However, power secretary P Uma Shankar denied the allegation. He said all the issues relating to the sector were being taken up by the ministry.

This article was first uploaded on March seventeen, twenty eleven, at thirty-two minutes past ten in the night.