Date:07/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/07/stories/2008090757270400.htm

New Delhi

Ensure power supply, Minister tells discoms

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: All the three power distribution companies here have been instructed by Power Minister A.K. Walia to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the holy month of Ramzan and the Ramlila celebrations.

The Minister, chairing a weekly power-review meeting, also directed the companies to purchase power in such a way that there are no interruptions in power supply. Cautioning that disruption in power supply could affect religious fervour and celebrations, he underlined the need for proper lighting during the festive period.

Dr. Walia asked them to ensure that all the streetlights function properly so that movement of people is facilitated after dark and no untoward incidents take place.

The distribution companies have also been told to go in for short-term power procurement. This would help in ensuring power supply irrespective of weather fluctuations. They have also been directed to keep the Ministry informed about difficulties being faced by them so that timely solution can be arrived at.

Implementation of the new power amnesty scheme was also discussed at the meeting. The companies informed that a large number of consumers were coming forward to avail themselves of the scheme that had been launched with the intent to bring people under correct tariff category as per use, minimise the unauthorised use of electricity and align sanctioned load with the load actually used. This scheme would remain open up to September 24.