1.0 Introduction
1.01. Power is the engine of growth of any developing economy. Consumption
of electrical energy is an universally accepted indicator of progress in
the agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors, as also of the well
being of the people of the State. No major economic activity can be sustained
without adequate and reliable supply of power. It plays a critical role
in employment generation, regional development and poverty eradication.
1.02. The Government of Gujarat has given highest priority to the development
of power sector. To give concrete shape to the above issue, the Government
has felt the need to come out with a 'Power Policy'. In October, 1991,
the Government of India has made changes in the Electricity Supply Act
allowing private sector participation in the field of generation, transmission
and distribution of power. The State in its new 'Power Policy' proposes
to encourage private sector participation in the field of power-generation
transmission and distribution which till today was reserved for state public
sectors only. Further it will also facilitate setting up of captive power
units by different industrial units. Similarly, in the field of distribution
of power it seeks private sector participation which will make the distribution
and delivery system competitive and efficient. The State seeks to identify
its power system needs and the means to fulfill the same through a comprehensive
'Power System Master Plan' . The State will augment long term generation
of power by putting up large power plants which have been identified or
are to be identified by the 'Power System Master Plan'. For short term
augmentation of the State's power generation capacity it seeks to encourage
setting up of captive power capacity by industrial units; putting up of
short gestation small plants near the load distribution centre besides
going for early commissioning and synchronising of projects in the pipeline.
In the transmission sector the state power-grid will be maintained by Gujarat
Electricity Board who will take the help of private sector in augmenting
the capacities of transmission grid. It also seeks to encourage the use
of non-conventional and renewable sources of energy and energy conservation
while taking care of environmental issues. It also seeks to rationalise
power tariff and duty through an Independent Statutory Tariff Regulatory
Commission. Policy will be closely monitored by a high power committee.
1.03. The State of Gujarat came into being in the year 1960. The total
installed generating capacity then was 315 MW. The State receives 1244
MW of power as its share from Central Pool like Korba (360 MW), Kawas (184
MW), Gandhar (185 MW), Kakrapar (125 MW), Vindhyachal (230 MW) and Tarapur
(160 MW). Among the major power plants in Gujarat are Ukai (850 MW), Wanakbori
(1260 MW), Utran (39 MW), Ahmedabad Electricity Company (510 MW), Gandhinagar
(660 MW), Dhuvaran (588 MW), Panandhro(140 MW), Sikka (240 MW) and Kadana
(120 MW). As on 30.09.1995, the total derated installed capacity in the
State was 6238 MW. It may be added here that in addition to this there
is a capacity of 1306 MW from captive generating sets put up by different
Companies within State. The State's per capita annual electricity consumption
is 650 Kwh compared to national average of 345 Kwh.
1.4 Projects under different stages of Planning
and Implementation
- GTEC (Gandhar) 655 MW
- Reliance, Sikka 500 MW
- Essar, Hazira 510 MW
- GMDC, Akrimota 250 MW
- GIPCL
I Baroda 160 MW
II Mangrol 250 MW 410 MW
· GPCL
I Kharsalia 125 MW
II Surkha 250 MW 375 MW
GEB Gandhinagar 210 MW
Wanakbori 210 MW 420 MW
- AEC 'C' Station 60 MW
- Panandhro expansion 75 MW
- Kadana 120 MW
3375 MW
Sardar Sarovar Project when completed will generate 1400 MW hydro power,
from which Gujarat will get 232 MW of power as its share. There will be
a further addition of 14 MW from mini and micro hydel power stations based
on Narmada canals.
1.5 Projects under active consideration
- Small Thermal/Liquid fuel fired
- Power Plants (5x100 MW) 500 MW
- Coastal imported coal based
- Power stations (2x500 MW) 1000 MW
- Pipavav Gas/Naphtha Thermal
- Power Station 615 MW
- Upgradation of the 54 MW Power
- Plant at Dhuvaran to 100 MW MW
Total Capacity 2161 MW
These projects when completed will raise the installed capacity in the
State by 5536 MW taking the total to 11774 MW. This will be over and above
the captive power capacity, which in coming years is expected to go up
substantially.
1.6 In the post-liberalisation era, Gujarat has been witnessing rapid
industrial growth. Investment of over Rs.1,00,000 crores is in the pipeline
resulting in a quantum jump in the demand for power. While the State must
go all out to augment the supply of power, one has to take note of the
three basic constraints that the State has to live with :
a) Constraint of local fuel resources like lignite, coal and hydel.
b) Difficulties in getting coal linkages for the power plants.
c) Long distance from the coal pit-head.
Due to the difficulties in getting coal linkages and long distance of
coal haulage, the cost of coal in Gujarat comes to an average of Rs.1436.5
per MT compared to Rs.710 per MT for Maharashtra, Rs.730 per MT for Rajasthan
and Rs.400 per MT for Madhya Pradesh. The State's option for hydel resources
is also limited.
1.7 The State has tremendous geographical advantage for port based power
plants using imported coal or liquid fuel like LNG, Naphtha and natural
gas. This potential has remained largely unexploited till now. In building
the future perspective for power development in the State, this potential
is going to play a very important role.
1.8 As per the 15th Electric Power Survey, the total installed capacity
in the State by the year 2000 AD should be 11236 MW. Survey assumed a linear
5.7% power demand growth. Gujarat today is on the threshold of an unprecedented
industrial boom, exemplified by the fact that Gujarat accounts for a quarter
of all industrial approvals in the country. A realistic approach to the
power scenario should, therefore, be built on the premise that the demand
for power is slated to grow atleast at the rate of 10% in the coming years.
Looking to this, the State would be needing a minimum installed capacity
of 15,000 MW by the year 2000 AD.
2.0 Objectives
The objectives of the power policy or for that matter any sectoral policy
should subserve the overall goals of the State in economic development.
Basically, the goals that the State strives to achieve in economic sphere
are the rapid development of productive activities in order to create sustainable
employment opportunities and thereby reduce the level of poverty, particularly
prevailing in rural areas and among the people belonging to Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. It is well recognised
now that economic growth is a must in order to share the fruits of development
more equitably. In this view of the matter the power policy also has to
take into consideration the objectives set in the industrial policy and
other sectoral policies. Having regard to these aspects, the following
would be the objectives of the power policy of the State :
- To plan and build up adequate capacities in generation, transmission
and distribution of power through efficient and cost effective means.
- To achieve optimum utilization of existing equipments and assets through
renovation and modernisation.
- To rationalize the tariff structure to ensure reasonable rate of return
to power utilities and generate surplus needed for future investment.
- To improve delivery of services and achieve cost effectiveness through
technical , managerial and administrative restructuring of the utilities.
- To achieve conservation of energy through efficient utilization and
demand side management, and minimising waste.
- To encourage generation of power through non- conventional sources
of energy.
3.0 Approach
3.1 The requirements of financial & managerial resources for the
growth in power sector are so vast that the State agencies by themselves
will not be able to cope with. The Government of Gujarat, therefore, have
decided to encourage and facilitate private sector participation in the
fields of generation, transmission and distribution of power supply.
3.2 The State's approach in this regard will be to foster a transparent
and competitive environment which will provide level playing field both
for private sector and for state sector.The private sector participation
will be encouraged in the field of generation, management of existing generation
system, setting up of transmission lines, transmission and distribution
of power in the manner as envisaged in the Government of India guidelines.
While achieving competitiveness will be the guiding principle, it is envisaged
that there are vast possibilities for co-operative, complementary and participative
ventures between private (both domestic and foreign) and state sectors
in developing the power sector. Specifically, the following steps will
be taken in this regard :
I. Facilitate infrastructural linkages for early completion of all power
projects.
II. Take advance action to identify project feasibilities, sites and
other preparatory steps to reduce gestation period.
3.3 An important aspect of the new approach will be restructuring and
optimizing the operations of power utilities by adopting a "profit
centre approach" at power station level where increased autonomy with
accountability will be given to power station authorities.
4.0 Strategy
4.1 Power System Master Plan
It is intended to prepare a "Power System Master Plan" which
will address itself in a systematic manner to estimating the load forecast,
calculating the regionwise deficit and formulating ways of bridging this
gap. The Master Plan will, among other things, consider :
I. Supply and demand side management.
II. Identifying optimum new generation which takes into account most
suitable mix of various types of fuel for power plants.
III. Upgradation of existing transmission and distribution system so
as to reduce losses.
IV. Identifying new transmission and distribution systems to be set-up.
V. The locational aspects to remove presently existing regional imbalances
in power availability.
VI. To achieve cost reduction in generation and distribution of power.
VII. Feasibility of locating power plants outside the State as well
as purchasing power from other States.
VIII. Sourcing of funds.
4.1.2 The Power System Master Plan shall be prepared by 30th June, 1996.
4.1.3 A Planning and Monitoring Cell will be set up in the Energy &
Petrochemicals Department. This Cell will be responsible for the implementation
of the Power System Master Plan. This will also ensure speedy implementation
of ongoing and future projects and extend help in obtaining various clearances
from different authorities of the State Government.
4.2 Generation
4.2.1 As on today the generation of power is being carried out by Gujarat
Electricity Board (GEB) or State sector only. State's power policy proposes
to throw open the generation of power to private sector also. The State
will encourage healthy, competitive level playing by both State sector
enterprises and private sector companies in the field of generation.
Government of India has recently waived the mandatory techno-economic
clearance of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for project with capital
cost upto Rs.400 crores. This is expected to cut down the gestation period
of the project.
4.2.2 The State would provide attractive returns to independent power
producers within the ambit of Government of India guidelines. Selection
of IPPs will follow competitive and transparent route. Power so produced
by IPPs will be purchased at levelised tariff at the bus-bar.
4.2.3 As the part of this privatisation policy, the State has already
thrown open the following 4 projects involving an installed capacity of
2490 MW for open competitive bidding:
- Lignite based power project at Surka/Kharsaliya 375 MW
- Small Thermal/Liquid fuel fired power plants (5 x 100 MW) 500 MW
- Coastal imported coal based power stations (2 x 500 MW) 1000 MW
- Pipavav Gas/Naphtha Thermal Power Station 615 MW
4.2.4 In order to achieve 15000 MW of installed capacity by the turn
of the century, it will be necessary to plan for additional generation
capacity of about 3250 MW. However, with the State's policy of encouraging
setting up of captive plants by industries, actual gap may be smaller.
4.3 Early Completion and Commissioning
of New Units
4.3.1 A major thrust area identified for augmenting generation is early
completion and stabilisation of new units. Owing to factors like multiplicity
of commissioning agencies for main and auxiliary equipments, failure of
suppliers of equipment/auxiliary to adhere to the delivery schedules and
non-completion of projects in time, their synchronisation with the State
Grid has not been satisfactory. With the entry of private sector as independent
power producers, there will be a need to connect them to the State Grid
and synchronise their power plants most efficiently. Guidelines will be
laid down by the State Government to ensure that each individual unit takes
responsibility for the synchronisation, laying the transmission line,carrying
out their work in time so that the power is evacuated by the State Grid
as soon as it is made available.
4.4 Setting up of Small Power
Plants
4.4.1 In order to provide quick capacity addition to meet the minimum
needs of the State Grid it is proposed to build a number of small generating
power plants at sub-station level based on liquid fuels. The role of liquid
fuel like Heavy Petroleum Stock (HPS), Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS),
Heavy furnace Oil (HFO), LNG/Natural Gas, Naphtha has been recognised by
the Government of India.
4.4.2 Because of the advantage of its long coastline dotted with several
ports, Gujarat offers site advantage for port-based liquid fuel power plants
both large and small. Liquid fuel is more eco-friendly compared to lignite
and coal. This strategy can be extended to put up small plants at sub station
level also. Besides, there will be other multiple advantages such as low
capital cost, reasonable operating cost, short gestation period, reduction
in T & D loss and generation of employment in rural areas. The State
Electricity Board has identified such sub-stations in Kutch, Saurashtra
and North Gujarat where small power plants can be put up near the sub-station
or inside the sub-station premises.
4.5 Renovation, Modernisation
and Management of Existing Power Plants
4.5.1 An important area which has not received sufficient attention
is the upkeep of existing plants. Some of the power stations in Gujarat
have outlived their original life span. In the absence of surplus generation
capacities, due attention has not been paid to scheduled maintenance, renovation
and modernisation of the existing plants. This has resulted in unplanned
outages and frequent breakdowns. As a result, availability factor and the
Plant Load Factor of a number of plants are below satisfactory level. It
is proposed to increase the operating efficiency of the existing plants
through introduction of professional management and renovation and modernisation
programmes. The process of renovation and modernisation involves substantial
investment. The State proposes to throw open the renovation and modernisation
of the existing plants to private sector (joint sector) participation which
can help in bringing in more efficient management practices leading to
greater availability of power.
4.5.2 In this, the first task is to identify critical components in
the plants that require immediate replacement and renovation. Such renovation/extension
programmes can extend the life by another 20-30 years at a fraction of
the cost of a new plant. By improving the efficiency and utilisation of
the plant, the Plant Load Factor can be increased to 75%. Nearly 5000 million
additional units can be generated by this method alone in the State. Government
will encourage the renovation and modernisation of all plants of State
Electricity Board. For this purpose help of private sector will be taken
on case-to-case and merit basis.
4.5.3 Private Sector will be allowed to operate/manage the plants wherever
necessary. Such participation by the private sector may follow the following
routes:
a) Lease, Rehabilitate, Operate and Transfer (LROT)
b) Joint Asset Management with State Electricity Boards;
c) Sale of existing plants to private sector or to any joint sector
venture.
4.6 Captive Generation :
4.6.1 In the context of continuing gap between projected generation
and demand for power in the State, the State recognises the need for captive
generation of power by Industries. This will be encouraged by the State
as a means to augment the power supply. Captive generation will ease the
burden on distribution system and also make surplus power available for
the State Grid. Private industries including EOU's will be permitted to
go for captive generation upto 60 MW without any restriction. For higher
captive capacity decision will be taken by the State Government on a case
to case basis.
4.6.2 Co-Generation
The co-generation combines the process of recovering steam and power
from the same single fuel source. After the power is generated the waste
heat from the exhaust is collected to generate steam. As a result, the
utilisation of energy improves from 30% - 35% to 70%. It also reduces the
cost of energy as the cost of power is shared between power generation
and process steam. The State will encourage the industries to generate
steam through co-generation. This will help waste heat recovery and lead
to energy efficiency. There will be no cap on the quantum of co-generation
that can be done by industry.
4.6.3 Gujarat Electricity Board will consider purchase of surplus power
from captive units on mutually agreed terms covering price, timing, quantum
and the period of purchase of power.
4.7 Non-Conventional Sources
of Energy
4.7.1 The State realises the importance of renewable sources of energy.
The State shall endeavour to get the maximum benefit out of the non-conventional
and renewable sources of energy which are clean and eco-friendly. The State
today has an installed capacity of 64.52 MW wind power generation at various
locations like Lamba, Okha, Mandvi, Tuna, Thank and Bamanbore. 16 new locations
have been identified with a potential of 5000 MW of power which have a
favourable wind speed of 19 to 25 Km per hour. It is intended to rationalise
the incentive scheme for wind farms to attract more private investors and
also simplifying procedure for allotting government waste land for above
purpose.
4.7.2 Large areas of the State have solar insolation of 5.8-6.0 Kwh
per sq.mt. per day. Vast tracts of land in Banaskantha, Kutch and Saurashtra
are ideally suited for tapping solar energy both for generation of power
and green house. It is proposed to encourage setting up of suitable solar
power stations in North Gujarat and Kutch/Saurashtra.
4.7.3 The State has 19 sugar mills which can generate 200 MW of power
from the bagasse. There is also ample scope to generate fuel by bio-generators,
using paddy husk and other biomass that are available in the State. State
will provide suitable incentives to generate power from bagasse/paddy husk/biomass/agricultural
waste.
4.7.4 Gujarat has a large urban population which is expected to cross
50% of the total population by 2000 AD. The organic urban waste generated
in the urban areas can be used for generation of energy. This will not
only augment scarce energy resources but also go a long way in efficient
disposal of the urban waste.
4.7.5 The State has a large coastline of 1600 Km. The tidal wave altitude
in Gujarat in many places reach nearly 6 mtrs. The technologies for the
efficient use of tidal wave is at developmental stage. The State will encourage
and provide adequate incentives for harnessing tidal energy.
4.8 Other Sources of Energy
4.8.1 The State has large lignite deposits in North Gujarat at a depth
of 600 Mtrs. and below. It is difficult to mine the lignite economically.
Technologies are available which will extract methane gas from the coal-bed
and use this coal-bed methane for running power plants. State will encourage
(private/joint sectors) entrepreneurs to take up coal-bed methane projects
to harness this resource chiefly for power generation.
4.8.2 The scope for Mini/Micro Hydel Power Projects in rivers and canals
of Gujarat is rather limited. However, efforts will be made to harness
100% of the potential by setting up of small Mini/Micro Hydel Power Projects
based on river/canal through private/state/joint sector participation.
4.9 Transmission
4.9.1 In order to provide efficiency in transmission, there is a need
to upgrade the transmission system. The State recognizes the fact that
for every Rupee invested in generation would entail an equivalent amount
to be invested in transmission and distribution system.
4.9.2 The State Power Grid will be maintained by the Gujarat Electricity
Board. In addition to its own generation, GEB will transmit power of different
generating companies for distribution to its own substation in Gujarat
or to the substations of private distribution companies. The necessary
wheeling charges will be paid by the distribution companies.
4.9.3 Gujarat Electricity Board will accord higher investments in the
transmission sector. This will be done by availing funds from international
and national funding agencies and other institutional sources. A time bound
programme will be laid down by the Gujarat Electricity Board to minimise
the transmission losses. Transmission and distribution losses as estimated
by GEB are about 20% compared to all India loss of about 24%. This is around
15% in Philippines, 18% in Thailand, 12% in South Korea and 9% in Taiwan.
4.9.4 Gujarat Electricity Board will allow private sector units to set
up transmission lines and equipment for or on behalf of Gujarat Electricity
Board. This will be done through a transparent bid and follow the Power
System Master Plan of the State. Gujarat Electricity Board will pay to
the company necessary rental for using their transmission line.
4.9.5 It is proposed to achieve reduction in transmission losses by:-
I. Increasing the voltage level wherever feasible.
II. Replacing existing conductors by higher capacity conductors.
III. Reducing the impedance in transmission lines by continued installation
of Static Capacitors to an optimum level.
IV. Decentralizing generation at peak period by installation of small
power plants as per clause 4.4.
V. Better vigilance.
4.10 Distribution
4.10.1 Hitherto distribution of power has been the near monopoly of
Gujarat Electricity Board. The new power policy proposes to throw open
distribution of power to private sector and joint sectors also.
4.10.2 Distribution will be allowed on territorial basis to electricity
distributing companies for their respective franchise area. This will be
done through open competitive bidding process. The territories so identified
will have a proper mix of various classes of consumers. Gujarat Electricity
Board can participate in the equity of new companies entering the field
of distribution in terms of its existing assets such as distribution lines
and transformers. While handing over distribution to territorial distributing
companies adequate care will be taken to ensure that the employment prospect
of existing employees of GEB is not affected.
4.10.3 Each distribution centre will be identified as a Profit Centre.
The executive of the profit centre will be held accountable for loss, theft
as well as be given monetary incentive for better productivity and better
management. Use of electronic meters both for HT and LT power consumers
including single phase services will be resorted to. Use of low cost unmanned
substation will be progressively increased with the 'State-of-the-Art'
SCADA systems. In order to accurately account for the distribution losses,
there is a need to enforce the accountability of every unit of power that
is generated.
4.10.4 All distributing companies will be required to provide timely
release of all connections to various classes of consumers so that the
consumers and the industry do not suffer for want of electricity.
4.10.5 Village Level Helpers Scheme : Since it will be imperative to
ensure proper service backup at the village level, a system of having a
panel of helpers and linemen at the village level will be set up. They
will be trained by GEB/private distributing company and will have access
to tools and equipments of GEB/private distributing company. They will
be employed by the village panchayats as and when need arises.
5.0 Conservation
5.1 Energy Conservation
The State Government realises the importance of energy conservation
as a major thrust of the power policy. There is a need to have a system
that encourages energy conservation and provides disincentives for the
inefficient use of energy. In order to achieve this :
I. Energy audit will be made compulsory for all major industrial and
large commercial establishments.
II. Through suitable directives and fiscal incentives/disincentives,
the State Government will actively promote use of energy efficient equipments
like compressed fluorescent lamp, energy boosters, etc.
III. GEB will periodically carry out consumers' guidance and education
programme for energy conservation.
5.2 Government is acutely aware of the fact that the horse power-based-tariff
in agriculture sector has led to inefficient use of energy by farmers.
There is no incentive to install energy efficient pumpsets. Adoption of
improved irrigation methods such as sprinkler drip irrigation system will
reduce the requirement of energy as well as conserve the ground water resources.
The State will take comprehensive steps to induce farmers to adopt energy
and water conservation measures.
5.3 State is also aware that flat horse power based agricultural tariff
has led to high rate of drawal of found water particularly in North Gujarat.
During the coming years to draw the same amount of water and maintain the
same level of agricultural production, the State will have to provide for
higher and higher energy consumption. This will require creation of additional
generation capacities. Government will lay stress on the recharging of
ground water/aquifiers, modernisation of existing irrigation system, incentives
for better dry land farming which will lead to optimum utilisation of State's
resources and reduction in energy consumption in the agriculture sector.
While putting up new power plants opportunity cost of such energy conservation
measures will be taken into account.
5.4 Environment Conservation/Protective
Measures
The State is heavily dependent on coal and lignite as a prime fuel for
its power plants. This dependence is likely to increase further due to
additions in generating capacity as envisaged in the policy. The indigenous
coal has a greater ash content. The lignite available in the State has
a sizable sulphur content. Government is deeply concerned about the polluting
effect of fly ash, sulphur dioxide, etc. Suitable steps will be taken for
the efficient use of fly ash. Government will encourage the use of environment
friendly technologies in power plants like electrostatic precipitators,
desulphurisation technologies and other technologies/equipments. The State
will encourage the power utilities to generate power from environment friendly
sources such as wind, solar, biogas, tidal energy, etc.
6.0 Fuel
6.1 In order to get adequate fuel linkages for the future requirements
of power generation, there has to be adequate and reliable basket of fuel
resources. Gujarat itself is poorly endowed with natural fuel resources
such as coal and hydro. There are small deposits of lignite available in
the State besides Natural Gas, which is available both off-shore and on-shore
in the western region.
6.2 The quantum of lignite or gas available are not adequate to meet
the power and fuel requirements of the State in the times to come. Coal
available from the eastern states of the country is of low calorific value
and high ash content. Transporting it across the country itself makes it
economically unviable. Moreover, adequate coal linkages are also not available
due to bottlenecks in transportation of coal. As a result, the State has
no option but to go for external supply of fuel resources such as LNG and
imported coal.
6.3 The State has a geographical advantage of having large number of
ports. This will facilitate the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) which
can be used for power generation. It can also be distributed as fuel consumption
in different industries. This will require setting up of LNG terminals
with gas distribution network. The State will actively encourage such infrastructural
development.
7.0 Tariff Structure
7.1 The State recognizes the fact that there has to be a tariff rationalisation
if private and foreign investments are to be forthcoming in the Power Sector.
Tariff and duty rationalisation is also necessary if one has to improve
the operational efficiency of GEB. On the other hand, grant of unrestrained
freedom to fix the tariff by power utilities will lead to consumer interest
being adversely affected. Looking to this, the Government proposes to :
I) Set up an Independent Statutory Power Tariff and Regulatory Commission.
The Commission will among other things call for relevant data from power
utility companies to fix the tariff. Care will be taken to see that the
cost of inefficiency of the public/electricity utilities will not be passed
on to the consumers
II) Revenue so generated for the utilities should be adequate to sustain
the operations and also to generate adequate surpluses for proper maintenance
of plant and machinery. Utilities should run on commercial principle and
earn adequate rate of return on capital investment
III) Tariff should be so rationalised to take advantage of higher tariff
for peak hour power consumption.
IV) Government is committed to continuance of subsidised tariff for
agricultural and socially obligatory activities like drinking water and
street lighting and lighting for urban and rural poor. These subsidies
will have to be explicit, quantified, reasonable and targetted. The Independent
Statutory Power Tariff Commission envisaged above shall take such subsidies
into consideration while determining the tariffs.
8.0 Other Matters
8.1 The State will have eventually a large number of power utilities
in the field of generation and distribution of power. It is proposed to
establish an association to be named as 'Gujarat Council of Power Utilities'.
This will be on autonomous body. It will provide a forum for meeting of
the power utilities.
8.2 The Council will also undertake the Research and Development (R
& D), Human Resource Development (HRD), and other related matters such
as need based training as felt by the power utilities. The Council will
act as an apex body for co-ordination amongst utilities as well as an advisor
to the functioning of the system grid.
8.3 The Gujarat Electricity Board has played a yeoman role in providing
adequate power and fulfilling many social obligations as envisaged by the
State during all these years. Gujarat has achieved nearly 100% electrification.
GEB has built up adequate generation capacity and infrastructure which
has made the State's per capita electric consumption one of the highest
in the country. Social obligations like subsidies to agriculture sector,
street light, drinking water, electricity connections to urban and rural
households has adversely affected the financial health of the GEB. In order
to restore the financial health of GEB, there is a need to restructure
GEB both financially and organisationally.
9.0 Implementation
Implementation of measures envisaged in this policy will be looked after
by a special implementation cell. The cell will ensure speedy implementation
of the power policy. The Government will set up a high level committee
headed by Chief Secretary to review the progress and implementation of
the power policy.
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