Date:23/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/23/stories/2006052315460100.htm

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KSEB term: State to seek extension

Staff Reporter

Power Minister says Board will be made a service-oriented institution

The term of Electricity Board expires on June 8
State to seek an extension for another six months
A.K. Balan to meet Union Power Minister shortly

Power connections to industries without delay

PALAKKAD: Electricity Minister A.K. Balan has said the State will urge the Union Government to extend the term of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) which is expiring on June 8 to another six months.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, the Minister said that as per the Central Electricity Act of 2003 the Board had to be divided into three profit-making centres for generation, distribution and transmission of power.

The previous Government did not take steps to implement the decision, but got the time extended till June 9, 2006. But the State had to comply with the Central Act, he said.

The Minister said that even after the proposed division of the Board, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) wanted the power sector to remain in the public sector as it was against its privatisation.

He said that he would meet the Union Minister for Power in Delhi shortly to request another extension of six months for the KSEB. The Power Secretary and the KSEB Chairman would accompany him.

He expressed hope that the delegation would be able to convince the Centre as the new Government wanted time to take a policy decision on the matter and initiate preliminary steps for alternative arrangements for the existing Board.

The Minister said that the KSEB would provide power connection to industries on priority without delay. The Board would be made a service-oriented and people-friendly institution, Mr. Balan said.