13 cos evince interest in supplying power to Punjab: PSPCL

CHANDIGARH: Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) today said 13 companies, including Tata Power, Sterlite, GMR Energy and Adani Power, have shown interest in supplying energy to the state during summers.

The state-owned power utility had invited expression of interest from companies to supply short term power during May till October this year.

"We have received bids from 13 companies for giving us power during May till October 2013," PSPCL Director (Distribution) Arun Verma told PTI.

The other prominent companies which intend to supply power are PTC India, JSW Power, National Energy Trading and Services Ltd, NTPC VVNL, he said.

Power starved Punjab requires power during summer season when demand for energy goes up manifold in view of paddy sowing season and scorching heat.

Despite arranging power from all sources last year, PSPCL had to impose long- hour power cuts on all categories, including industry because of "astronomical" rise in power demand, caused by deficit monsoon.

Elated over good participating by companies in supplying short-term power, PSPCL is hoping to buy power at less than Rs 4 per unit rate.

"We hope that average power rate (to be supplied by companies) remain less than Rs 4 a unit," he said.

Power utility had managed to buy power at a rate of Rs 3.91 per unit last year as compared to purchase of Rs 4.04 per unit in corresponding period.

Power regulator Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved short term power purchase of 2578 million units by PSPCL to meet un-restricted energy demand during summer.