West Bengal government signals cheaper power tariff in 2-3 years

Kolkata: The West Bengal government on Friday hinted at a reduction in power tariff in the next 2-3 years following new captive block regulations.

"We have got six captive blocks. We think we will be able to get coal at lower cost than before. With this, there is a possibility that power tariff may get lower in the next 2-3 years," state power minister Manish Gupta said at an event at the MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He was referring to the Bengal region except Kolkata and Howrah, which are controlled by private player CESC Ltd.

The cost of coal for the state discom, WBPDCL, may come down to Rs 1,800 per tonne from the earlier Rs 2,600 per tonne, he added.

According to sources, the government may not pass on the coal price benefit as it may withdraw its subsidies on retail consumption and mitigate other costs.

Gupta said the final tariff will depend on other factors like freight and other costs.

Meanwhile, the Bengal government is seeking a green energy fund to build two pump storage hydel power plants in Purulia, Turga (1,000 MW) and Bandhu (900 MW).

Gupta said the state is planning to set up a 1,200-MW solar power plant to support these two hydel power plants.

West Bengal State Electricity Co already operates one pump storage hydel project in Purulia.