New power projects, plan for stressed assets not enough, say experts

The Union government’s approval for new power projects and a plan to address stress in the sector are expected to revive investment but experts and the industry see the measures working only if backed by real changes in coal supply and power purchase.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) had on Thursday approved new power projects worth Rs 31,000 crore. It also approved a revival package for the stressed sector which addresses some of coal linkage-related issues and payment delays from distribution firms. The government also approved a hydropower policy that gave renewable energy status to hydel plants in the