Himachal draws up plan to fast track hydropower projects

Himachal Pradesh government has drawn up plans for putting the hydropower projects under execution on fast track to harness over 13,500 mw of power.
The state has so far harnessed 10,264 mega watt power, out of which 830 mega watt was harnessed during the year 2015-16 while projects with 265 mw potential are being exploited in state sector, an official spokesman said.
With a view to avoid delays in execution of power projects due to time consumed in obtaining various clearances, time-lines have been prescribed under the HP Public Services Guarantee Act for time bound clearances and NOCs for setting up of Hydro-Power Projects.

Under the state sector,the 65 megawatt Kashang project,, 100 megawatt Sainj and 100 megawatt Uhal hydel power project would be commissioned during the current financial year, he added.
Himachal which achieved 100 per cent rural electrification in 1998,is now concentrating on strengthening the distribution and transmission system to reduce the transmission and distribution losses and ensure regular supply of power to consumers.
For energy Conservation, LED Promotion Programme has been launched in the State under which LED Bulbs are being made available to domestic consumers, below the market price.

The State government has prepared the revised solar energy policy for exploring the possibilities to develop solar energy.

In order to bail out the HPSEB, the government has taken over the entire loan liability amounting Rs 564 crore and the government will also repay the additional loan amounting to Rs. 56 crore during 2016-17.
Besides, the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 50 crore to the HPSEBL for upgrading the rural lines by installing new poles and transformers.