Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the current status of power generation, transmission and distribution in the state and the efforts being made for the future in a meeting with the Energy Department held at his official residence and provided necessary guidelines to the concerned officials.
The Chief Minister said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the resolution of ‘Har Ghar Bijli-Uninterrupted Electricity’ is being fulfilled in the state in the last 07 years. Electricity is being delivered to every village and hamlet. It is heartening that today electricity is being supplied without any discrimination or VIP culture. This time, making extra efforts for the convenience of the general public amid the scorching heat, 24-hour power supply was provided in the entire state from 15 March to 30 June. Apart from various hydro power projects, 22 thermal projects are running successfully in the state today in Anpara, Harduaganj, Obra, Parichha and Jawaharpur. The work of the units under construction in Ghatampur, Panki, Obra-C and Jawaharpur should be completed speedily.
Apart from Obra D, Anpara E and Meja Thermal Projects-II Phase being set up as a joint venture with NTPC, the work of Khurja Thermal Project under construction with THDC is expected to be expedited. These efforts will increase the power generation capacity of the state. A study should be conducted on the possibility of setting up pump storage plants in Rihand Dam, Obra Reservoir and its surrounding areas.
The demand for electricity is increasing rapidly. In the year 2018-19, the maximum demand in a day was 20,062 MW, which reached 30618 MW on June 13 in this session. Keeping in view the needs of the general public, uninterrupted power supply was provided in the summer season this year. Adequate supply of electricity should be ensured as per the demand.
The Chief Minister said that in fulfilling the resolution of ‘Har Ghar Bijli-Uninterrupted Electricity’, it is necessary to further improve the power transmission system. Before setting up a new substation, the requirement of the place must be studied. Setting a target as per the requirement of the next five years, new substations should be set up.
If a transformer breaks down in villages and urban areas, it should be repaired immediately. A new transformer should be sent as per the requirement. The stipulated time limit should be strictly followed. The work of the agencies repairing the transformer should also be observed. Every call coming on the toll free number/helpline should be attended to. Every consumer’s problem should be resolved appropriately. Dissatisfaction has often been seen among the people regarding fixing the electricity connection charge. The rules should be amended to bring uniformity in it. Unnecessary infrastructure charge should be reduced. Priority should be given to the convenience and comfort of the general public.
The biggest challenge before the Power Corporation is the availability of correct bill on time and collection of bill amount from all the consumers. In every situation, the availability of correct bill to the consumers on time should be ensured. Overbilling and late billing cause trouble to the consumer. A feeling of disappointment arises in his mind and he is not enthusiastic about paying the bill. All the officials from Discom to feeder will have to make a solid effort to communicate with the consumers.
Line loss is continuously decreasing due to planned efforts. Every possible effort should be made to stop electricity theft. The work of meter reader should be monitored. No consumer should be harassed in the name of checking electricity meter or outstanding bill. We should have goodwill behavior with every consumer.
The Chief Minister said that people are enthusiastic about PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. More than 18 lakh people have registered to join this scheme so far. Extensive publicity should be ensured to reach this scheme to more and more people. Necessary action should be taken to develop all the municipal corporations along with Ayodhya as ‘Solar City’.
The process of land acquisition for the proposed solar park in Jhansi, Lalitpur, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Chitrakoot and Jalaun should be completed expeditiously. In line with the bio-energy policy, the process of setting up CBG, bio-coal and bio-diesel plants should also be expedited.
Energy Minister AK Sharma and Minister of State for Energy Somendra Tomar, senior officials and engineers of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited and all Discoms participated in the meeting.
