Plan panel sets up working group on power

The Planning Commission has set up a working group on power to review capacity addition during the 11th Plan and formulate strategy for the next plan period.

The group, headed by Power Secretary Uma Shankar, met for the first time yesterday. Officials from the power ministry, Central Electricity Authority and private sector companies like Reliance Energy, Tata Electric and Torrent Electric, are also members of the group.

It has been proposed that nine subgroups be set up under the group, which will submit its report by September 30.

The group will also review the status of various existing policies, besides recommending an industry structure to enhance the number of players, promote competition and offer a transparent pricing regime.

It will also recommend optimal mix of additional generating capacity during the 12th plan period on the basis of different fuels at different locations. It will explore avenues for purchase of power from neighbouring countries through joint venture schemes.

An assessment of investment requirement for the 12th plan will also be done by the group. Infrastructural support such as transportation, port facilities, construction and manufacturing capabilities that would be required for the implementation of 12th and 13th Five Year Plan will also be looked at.