Says it’s in the process of terminating services
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Taking stern action against a power distribution franchisee, Goa government has blacklisted the Nagpur headquartered Spanco Power Distribution Limited for ‘miserably failing’ to execute the first phase of the works under the Central Government’s accelerated power development and reforms program (APDRP).
The government is also in the process of terminating the services of the contractor.
“We have blacklisted the company and in the process of terminating the contract. A final termination notice and show cause notice will also be sent to the company,” Power Minister Milind Naik told a press conference Tuesday.
The Centre had sanctioned Rs 105 crore under APDRP for various projects in Goa. The State government had entered into the agreement with the company on July 18, 2011 to finish the first phase within 18 months, which they have failed to do.
Explaining further, Naik said the company was supposed to have consumer indexing and graphical imaging within 18 months. The government then granted two to three extensions but in vain.
“This is why we decided not to continue with the company,” the minister said adding the company has been blacklisted in five other states.
Goa has been given a target of 2014 to complete all the works under APDRP. In the wake of these failures, Naik said the state has already sought extension of one year from the Union power ministry to complete the works, which will be undertaken only after re-tendering.
“We are likely to be granted the extension and issued directions for re-tendering the works. We will forfeit the surety of Rs 8 crore kept with the State government by the company,” the minister added.
… borrows 50 MW power to meet deficit
PANJIM: The Goa government has begun borrowing 50 MW power from a power trading bank lately, to meet the power deficit, particularly during peak consumption hours.
Power Minister Milind Naik told reporters Tuesday that the shortage of 100 MW has been met by procuring power from Energy Bank, a syndicate of private players.
This, he said, is being done on an agreement that the State will repay by giving power back to them when Goa will have surplus power.
“The bank has been charging five per cent extra power to the State and wheeling charges of 64 paisa per unit. The power would be procured from the bank for next one month till the situation normalizes,” he said.
The supply from the National Thermal power corporation has decreased as the plants have shut down for annual maintenance. The state, which requires 450-480 MW falls short by 100 MW of power during peak hours. The requirement shoots up during the tourist season which is when the State requires around 520 MW.
“The power shortage is being sorted out,” he assured. The thermal power plants that supply electricity to Goa are undergoing annual overhauling.
