Assam is set to undertake the second phase of power sector reforms, which is expected to see major initiatives to boost generation and greater efforts for privatisation.

“In 2005, we started the first phase of reforms which saw restructuring of the then power behemoth Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB).

“Now we are poised to undertake the second phase of the reforms where focus would on increasing generation and improving transmission and distribution,” the Minister for Power, Commerce and Industries, Mr Pradyut Bordoloi, said.

Asked if it could even mean greater privatisation, the Minister said: “We would like to strengthen the public sector units but if the work culture in the companies do not change, then yes, we may look at privatisation also.”

According to State Government data, Assam has a peak demand of 720-780 mw. Of this, only 130-150 mw is being generated from its own power stations, while another around 400 mw is being imported from Central sector generating stations in the North Eastern region and the remaining from other sources like private producers and power trading agencies.

There is a shortfall of about 100-150 mw during peak demand.

Elaborating further, Mr Bordoloi said the State was expected to get another 360 mw in months to come.

“The first phase of Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project is expected to be completed by early 2013 and this will generate 240 mw. Besides, we will receive 120 mw from the Palatana project in Tripura where we have a stake,” he said.

Mr Bordoloi said Assam was also trying to secure electricity from captive power plants operated by various institutions and the Digboi Oil Refinery has already agreed to supply 6 mw.

He said work on four large projects, including a 100 mw one at Namrup, and 10 small projects are underway. “We have also asked the Central Government to allow us to have coal linkage for the planned project at Margherita and for the Bongaigaon project,” he said.

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