Planning Commission to meet State Power Ministers today to address power sector woes

17 Jul 2012 Evaluate

The Planning Commission has called for a meeting of state power ministers on Tuesday to take on board issues hampering the growth of the crucial power sector, mainly that of fuel shortages and the weak financial health of distribution companies (discoms). The commission will also discuss capacity additions and challenges for the 12th Plan.

Currently, discoms’ have debt burden amounting to Rs 2 lakh crore majorly caused by subsidy on power tariffs, the major portion of which is granted to the agriculture sector. Most states have kept agriculture tariffs as low as Re 1 per unit while average tariff for general consumers across the country is pegged at Rs 3 per unit.

In a move to rejig discom’s debt, the Power Ministry is considering a proposal where 50% of the total amount of debt would be converted into bonds to be issued by the respective state governments, while the remaining will be restructured. In addition, the Centre will give moratorium on the remaining debt for 3 years. This two phased bailout package for the ailing State Electricity Distribution Companies would be sent to the Cabinet Committee for Economic Affairs’ (CCEA) approval, after the discussion with the States.

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