GUWAHATI, May 16 � State Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi today informed that the State is now gearing up for second phase reforms in the power sector after concentrating on infrastructure development in the first round.
Talking to mediapersons here today, Bordoloi, in the event of the recent unprecedented power crisis experienced by the State, said that the stress would now be on increasing efficiency, especially in power generation sector.
The Minister also mentioned that while going ahead with the second generation reforms to increase power generation within the State, private players might also be roped in, if needed.
�We are not for privatization, but want professionalism in the Government sector in the interest of the people of the State,� the Minister stated, expressing displeasure over the performance of generation companies, who according to Bordoloi, have failed to deliver the goods in the expected manner.
After the first phase of reforms, the power generation in the State has gone up to 379.5 MW (2005-12) from 192 MW (1995-2004).
Admitting that the State needs to do more on the generating sector, the Minister said a total of 11 projects including hydel projects at Lower Kapili, Lower Subansiri and the Kiling Hydel power project were at different stages of completion, which once completed will go a long way in mitigating the power woes of the State.
On the damage of two of the national power grid in Jalpaiguri which led to acute power crisis in the State from May 3, he said, �One of the 400 KV tower was restored on May 12 and the second one was restored yesterday. It was a natural calamity and the Power Grid did its best to restore the towers as soon as possible.�
Replying to a query, Bordoloi opined that unlike what is being said by a section of people, solar energy and wind power were not viable means of power generation in the State.
