|
|
Corporate
-
Outlook
Web Extras
-
Power
Reliance Infra looking at power distribution in UP, Bihar
Our Bureau
Kolkata, April 24
Reliance Infrastructure Ltd may submit bids for retail power distribution in 11 cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, according to company sources.
The company feels that its
experience in reducing power
theft in parts of Delhi may
come handy in reducing the
aggregate technical and commercial
(AT&C) losses in
these circles.
"We would look at each of
the opportunities that come
up and evaluate details before
committing ourselves," Mr
Lalit Jalan, CEO and director
of Reliance Infra, told Business
Line in an e-mailed response.
Reliance Infra is
currently distributing power
to 6.5 million customers in
Delhi and Mumbai. According
to the company, Bihar and
Uttar Pradesh recently invited
bids for franchise power
distributors in a number of
circles. Maharashtra is also
expected to open five circles
for retail power distribution.
While Uttar Pradesh has
offered Meerut, Varanasi, Allahabad,
Aligarh, Gorakhpur,
Moradabad and Bareilly on
the block, Bihar opened Patna,
Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur
and Gaya circles.
The franchise operator will
be responsible for customercare,
metering, network
maintenance billing, revenue
collection and associate responsibilities
including reduction
of AT&C losses. The
franchise will work under the
direct monitoring and guidance
of the state power distribution
companies. The
latter would also be responsible
for sourcing the power
for distribution through the
franchise distributors.
Biz risk
On queries underlining the reportedly high incidence of pilferage in both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and the possible business risks in entering retail power distribution in these States, Mr Jalan said that the company was capable of handling such issues.
"Delhi also had a couple of notorious areas where theft levels were very high. However, we were able to augment the network and reduce AT&C losses in areas like Najafgarh and Chandni Chowk," he said.
Savings
Overall, the company claims to have reduced AT&C losses in Delhi circle from as high as 55 per cent in 2002 to less than 20 per cent as on date. "The Government of Delhi is currently saving Rs 5,000 crore a year on account of reduction in AT&C losses," Mr Jalan said.
More Stories on :
Outlook |
Power |
Reliance Energy Ltd
Article
E-Mail
::
Comment
::
Syndication
::
Printer Friendly Page
|
|
