March 4, 2014

Energy projects worth about Rs 4,000 crore aimed at strengthening power transmission and distribution infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh have been launched.

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mr. Akhilesh Yadav has either laid foundation or unveiled 163 transmission or distribution sub-stations all over the state, which entailed a cost of Rs 1,881 crore.

Meanwhile, an agreement was signed with Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGICL) for the development of transmission infrastructure for wheeling out power generated by the Lalitpur thermal project, entailing investment of Rs 2,300 crore.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar hydro electric project situated in Paudi Garhwal district of Uttarakhand has been unveiled.

The diversified GVK Group company, Alaknanda Power Company, is the private developer of the project comprising 4 units of 82.5 MW each totalling 330 MW. The project, which took off in 2006, would provide 12 per cent power generated to Uttarakhand for free, while the rest 88 per cent would be supplied to UP. The power is likely to be available from April 2014.

In addition, long-term power purchase agreements were signed with private companies for 1,361 MW valid for 25 years.

During peak hours, UP witnesses energy demand-supply gap of 20 per cent with power being cited by industry as the most critical, yet lacking infrastructure in the state.