[Nethra K Putti]

States To Buy Dabhol Power Plant

PROSPECTS of finding a buyer for Dabhol power appear to be fading with all prospective buyers quoting prices way below what Enron is willing to sell.


Four States -- Karnataka, Delhi, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh -- today made presentations to the Godbole Committee regarding purchase of power from the Dabhol plant with Karnataka quoting the highest at Rs 2.50-2.60 per unit. Some States said they may consider buying power from DPC if priced at ``NTPC rates''.
Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) offered to buy phase II power at Rs 2.50 to Rs 2.60 per unit. The State, which did not specify the quantity of power offtake, refused to provide escrow or deemed charges. ``We may provide a letter of credit to Dabhol Power Company,'' Mr V.P. Baligar, Chairman and Managing Director, KPTCL, reportedly told the panel.
He also suggested extending transmission lines from Kolhapur or Chandrapur in Maharashtra to Dharwad in Karnataka, with both the States bearing the costs equally.
The Delhi Vidyut Board (DVB) representative proposed buying 200 MW power ``provided the rate is less than Rs 3 per unit''. DVB said it is ready to buy power for five years but only after the year 2002.
Punjab State Electricity Board said it may need power anywhere between 100 and 250 MW, but insisted that charges be around Rs 2.50 per unit ``at the doorstep''. ``This is the price charged by NTPC,'' Mr P.S. Jindal, Chairman, PSEB, reportedly told the panel.
Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board quoted the least per unit cost -- not more than Rs 1.65 per unit.

``The power costs at our Korba and Vindhyanchal units are 0.70 paise and Rs 1.18 per unit respectively. We will pay DPC in line with NTPC Western Grid Pool rates,'' Mr S.K. Dasgupta, Chairman, MPEB, told the panel.


Those who kept away from today's meeting include Dr D.C. Samant (Chairman, Rajasthan State Electricity Board), Mr Nalin Bhat (Chairman, Gujarat State Electricity Board), Mr D.V. Khera, (Chairman, Central Electricity Authority), Mr Tantra Narayan Thakur, (CMD, Power Trading Corporation), Mr R.P. Singh, (Chairman of PowerGrid Corporation of India Ltd) and Mr A. Velayutham (Member Secretary, Western Electricity Regional Board).
Speaking to newspersons after the meeting, Dr Madhav Godbole, Chairman of the renegotiation panel, expressed concern over the discussions.


``Discussions will move forward only partially. The main problem faced is that of round-the-year demand for phase II power at base load. Both, the quantity of demand and the rates, are a problem,'' he said.

[satish]

Thank You Nethra for your great information
But I think of the four states you have mentioned Maharashtra is also there for purchasing the power from dabhol

Thanks again !