Torrent to light up Bhiwandi from Jan 15

MUMBAI: Torrent Power is set to begin distribution of electricity to 1.6 lakh consumers in Bhiwandi circle from January 15, 2007. On Wednesday, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) and the Ahmedabad-based power utility signed a distribution franchisee agreement for the circle, to bring private electricity to Bhiwandi in a unique deal.

Torrent Power has already begun the groundwork for taking over the operations in Bhiwandi, said a company release. It will purchase electricity from MSEDCL, the distribution arm of the erstwhile Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB), which supplies electricity in most parts of Maharashtra. BEST, Reliance Energy and Tata Power Company (TPC) are distributing electricity in Mumbai city and its suburbs.

“This is first of its kind public-private partnership in the country,” said Jayant Kawale, principal secretary, energy, Maharashtra. MSEDCL managing director Ajay Bhushan Pandey said this is a unique concept which will be a win-win situation for all stakeholders — MSEDCL, Torrent Power and most importantly, the customers in Bhiwandi circle.

“Over the years, we have built up efficiencies in our distribution networks. We would ensure that high efficiencies and reliability, coupled with good customer services are brought to Bhiwandi,” said Murli Ranganathan of Torrent Power.

Torrent Power, which currently distributes 7 billion units power to over 1.8 million customers in the cities of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Surat in Gujarat, claims to have one of the lowest transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in the country at 9.7% and one of the highest power reliability at 99.9%.

Torrent Power is currently implementing a 1,100 mega watt (MW) gas-based greenfield generation project near Surat, which is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of 2007.