PowerMin may finalise draft Electric Power Survey in May

The Power Ministry is likely finalise the draft report forecasting the electricity generation and demand scenario for the 12th five-year plan period (2012-17), next month.

The draft would form the basis for the 18th Electric Power Survey that assess power demand in the country.

In a recent meeting of the Electric Power Survey Committee, the chairman of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Gurdial Singh said the "draft report of the forecast is to be finalised in May, 2011".

The Electric Power Survey (EPS) would be completed by September this year. The report would provide vital inputs for power planning, demand and development of infrastructure by various states.

The Government has already set up the Working Group for the 12th Plan under the chairmanship of Power Secretary.

During the committee meeting, Singh said that any delay in completing the forecast of electricity requirements could consequentially delay the finalisation of 12th plan.

The committee would focus on achieving a per capita availability of over 1,000 units of power, among others.

During the committee meeting held on March 29, a CEA representative said the preliminary data -- regarding power demand scenario -- from states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Delhi are yet to be received.

The data received from other states has already been scrutinised and modified for the preparation of preliminary forecast.

The consultation process would be undertaken with the states as well as state electricity regulatory commissions (SERCs) before finalising the draft report.

During the 12th five-year plan, the Power Ministry hopes to add more than 1,00,000 MW of electricity.