New Energy policy to be formulated for more hydropower share to Himachal
The Community News/Shimla
The Himachal Pradesh government will formulate new power policy to provide more share in hydropower projects, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.
The decision was taken in Energy department meeting held in Shimla on Monday evening and it will make provision for deferment of free power royalty.
“The policy will abolish provision of deferment of free power royalty in future and consider abolishing the relaxation given earlier.
Now, there will be a provision to give 15 percent share to the government for the first 12 years, 20 percent for next 18 years and 30 percent for next 10 years.
At present, there is a provision of 12 percent for first 12 years, 18 percent for next 18 years and 30 percent for next 10 years,” the CM said.
Sukhu stated that the government will make efforts to increase the dtate’s share in those projects which have recovered its cost.
The state government will soon initiate correspondence with the Central government and other PSUs for the same.
In addition, the land lease term for setting of hydropower projects will be of 40 years as per the government policy.
He took serious note of Central PSUs for not signing pre and implementation agreements for setting up hydropower projects and directed to send notices.
The CM also directed to simplify the process of providing NOCs for the construction of hydro power projects.
It is worth noting that 172 hydropower projects of 11,149.50 MW capacity is commissioned in the state while 58 projects of 2,454 MW capacity are under construction.
He expressed displeasure over hydro power projects not starting construction work despite one time amnesty and instructed to cancel their allotment.
