Industry & Economy
-
Power
`Green cess' for renewable energy consumers mooted
Our Bureau
Mumbai
,
Nov. 14
THE Maharashtra Energy Development Agency, which promotes the use of renewable energy, has suggested a `green cess' to be collected by charging industrial and commercial consumers in the State at the rate of five paise per unit.
Mr G.M. Pillai, Director-General, said close to Rs 100 crore could be collected each year for funding or providing guarantees for renewable energy projects. The agency is holding talks with Infrastructure Development Finance Company for collaborating on the project.
The agency has also suggested imposing `Renewable portfolio standards' for all generating companies in Maharashtra under Section 86 (1)(E) of the Electricity Act 2003. This would mean that all companies would have to ensure that at least 10 per cent of generation comes from renewable energy sources by the year 2012. This is similar to standards imposed in places such as Texas and Denmark, Mr Pillai told presspersons on the sidelines of a conference here.
The agency has also suggested to the Maharashtra State Electricity Regulatory Commission that all power generation companies in the State contribute to an `Energy Conservation Fund'.
Under the scheme, all state-owned and private power companies such as the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, Tata Power and BSES would have to contribute 0.5 per cent of their bill collections to the fund. This would amount to around Rs 50 crore each year, which could be used to finance conservation projects.
The agency believes that this will help finance projects for the conservation of around 1,000 MW power over the next 10 years. It has roped in the National Productivity Council for its suggestions on the scheme, Mr Pillai said.
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