Torrent Power takes on distribution in Kanpur

After several claims of regular power supply in the city going haywire, the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) and its Kanpur arm Kanpur Electricity Supply Company (Kesco) have executed the long-awaited privatisation of power distribution in the city.

Kesco inked the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Torrent Power, which has already undertaken the work of power distribution in Agra.

Kesco was represented by Chief Engineer Randhir Singh, while Torrent Executive Director Ashok Modi negotiated the deal on behalf of the company.

According to the MoU, Kesco will work under an input-based franchisee model system and hand over the distribution of electricity, realisation of bills, maintenance and development of the infrastructure and other related works to Torrent Power for a period of 20 years.

The deal was kept in abeyance due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct during the general elections. According to company officials, the Torrent Power expects full operations to commence by August this year.

Kesco Managing Director Narendra Bhushan said losses from Kanpur were high as compared to the other cities in the state. The revenue collection was low. So, in order to reduce losses, the industrial city has been taken into account first.