Telangana in Centre’s list for 24x7 power

Hyderabad: The Centre has agreed, in principle, to include the power-starved state of Telangana in the PFA (Power For All) scheme, which means 24x7 power supply to the state. However, it will take two years to implement the scheme.

In a strong and passionate appeal, the state government had asked the Centre to supply uninterrupted power to tackle the problems arising out of bifurcation and had appealed to be included in the PFA (Power For All) scheme so that the new state could grow at a faster pace.

State government sources said that the appeal has been accepted and in all likelihood, the state will get 24x7 supply from 2017-18, i.e. two years from now.

An 11-member committee headed by Jyothy Arora, additional secretary, Ministry of Power, met Telangana state officials in Hyderabad on Monday and discussed some vital issues. The panel had officials of the Central Electricity Authority as well. This gives credence to the reports that the controversial issues related to power after the bifurcation of the state were also discussed.

The central panel, after discussing the issues and meeting with Chief Secretary Mr Rajiv Sharma, asked the state to give a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on its power requirements. “It asked for a DPR which should also consist of our infrastructure and the future projects. The grid connectivity will also be part of that. We have to submit our present situation, our plans etc. in a report within a month,” sources in the Secretariat said.

State Energy officials have reportedly sought a funding of Rs 15,000 crore for strengthening the distribution system. “Our requirement is about 2500 MW to overcome the shortage for continuous supply. We request you to arrange it from your end,” the state officials apparently told the committee.