Govt Nod For 510 New Substations

In order to further improve the quality of power and ensure reliable supply to consumers, the state government has undertaken a two-year time-bound programme for the erection of substations and transmission lines.

With an estimated cost of Rs 1,006 crore, the programme includes 510 substations to be completed by March, 2005.

Among these are four of 400 KV, 12 of 220 KV, 61 of 132 KV and 433 of 33/11 KV substations. This was stated by the state energy minister, K Subbarayudu, at a review meeting here.

To meet the projected cost, financial tie-ups had also been made with Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (GoI), DFID, APL and Japan Bank, the minister said in a release.

REC alone is extending financial assistance to the tune of Rs 548.33 crore for the erection of 279 substations in the next two years, Subbarayudu said.

In 2002-03, as many as 191 substations - 5 of 220/132 KV, 5 of 132/33 KV and 181 of 33/11 KV - were commissioned at a cost of Rs 280 crore.