OPTCL lines up Rs 2118cr for projects

The Orissa Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), plans to execute transmission network projects worth Rs 2118 crore during the 11th plan period to accommodate the peak demand of 4459Mw by 2011-12.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has projected the peak demand in Orissa to increase to 4459Mw by 2011-12 from 2927Mw in 2007-08. Keeping that in mind, OPTCL has decided to embark on expanding the transmission network through setting up of sub-stations of varying capacities and transmission lines in different parts of the state, official sources said.

Under the plan, OPTCL will take up construction of sub-stations and lay transmission lines to cater to the projected peak demand by 2011-12. It has chalked out a plan to construct twenty 132 KV sub-stations (990MVA) and 1326.25 kms of transmission lines at an estimated investment of Rs 669.92 crore.

Similarly, the construction of six 220 KV sub-stations (1560MVA) and 823.1 km transmission lines at an investment of Rs 458.06 crore is also proposed to be taken up. In the 400KV segment, OPTCL intends to take up construction of two 630MVA sub-stations and 278.25 kms transmission lines at an expenditure of Rs 458.25 crore.

Besides, civil works worth Rs 206.079 crore and augmentation work worth Rs 165.92 crore will be implemented during the 11th plan period.

Sources said, the peak demand in CESU zone is expected to be 1386 Mw and the peak demand for Southco will be 521Mw. Similarly, the peak demand in Wesco and Nesco are projected to be 1471Mw and 1081 Mw respectively.

The corporation which completed projects worth Rs 197.71crore during the last fiscal, requires about Rs 115 crore for completion of on-going projects started in 10th plan period.

At present, it is also implementing transmission networking projects worth Rs 618.55crore including 18 sub-stations with associated lines. Meanwhile, an exclusive data centre and necessary LAN are planned for State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) to host energy accounting and settlement system. The state government recently approved a plan to provide Rs 100 crore equity support to OPTCL for strengthening the power distribution network in the unremunerative areas under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana.