Delhi power links to be restored by June 22: Goyal

Following a review here of the capital's power situation with top Delhi administrion officials, union Power Minister Piyush Goyal Monday said transmission links in the city will be restored by June 22.

State-run Power Grid Corp. will complete restoration of transmission links in the capital by that date, Goyal told media persons here after the meeting attended by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung as well as officials from Delhi's distribution companies (discoms).

"Eastern Delhi will be benefited the most from these restoration works as there will be additional power to the tune of 150 MW for the area," Goyal said.

The power minister asked the Delhi Lt. Governor for an action plan to permanently end the national capital's electricity problems.

The city has been suffering extended power outgaes after a fierce thunderstorm last month damaged parts of the transmission and distribution network.

"If the earlier government had paid attention to the upgradation of transmission and distribution work, Delhi's power transmission which is 8,000 MW right now, would have been 10,000 MW," Goyal said.

The central government has asked the Lt. Governor to draft a plan at the earliest for a permanent solution to strengthen transmission and distribution network in the city in a timebound manner, the minister added.

Goyal has also asked Jung to provision for strict action against under-performing or non-performing discoms.

If the discoms are not performing well and not reacting to consumer complaints, serious penalties should be imposed on them, the power minister said.