CS to make power sector self-reliant

5-point programme to tide over power crisis To tide over the existing power crisis and achieve targeted goals in the power sector, the State government has firmed up its resolve to expedite the implementation of five point programme. During an interactive meet with officials, State Energy Conservation Mission (SECM) chairperson and Chief Secretary, PK Mohanty said that the first priority would be given to enhancing power generation to optimum capacity. Mohanty said that he was keen on making the power sector self reliant and sustainable not just for all-round development of the State, but also for providing satisfactory power supply to all consumers. It has planned to achieve additional power generation of 4000 mw by 2014-15. The four other important programmes are reduction of transmission, distribution and commercial losses, effective implementation of Energy Conservation and Energy Efficiency (EC and EE) programmes, promoting green energy by renewable energy resources and comprehensive communication strategy involving all stakeholders. Keeping in view the significance of EC and EE, the Chief Secretary advised SECM officials to study best practices on energy efficiency on par with national and international standards and also development of renewable energy, particularly harnessing solar power. He further said that even developed countries were focusing on energy efficiency to protect the natural resources like coal and gas for future. State Principal Secretary (Energy) M Sahoo said that the administrative sanction for generation of 4000 MW of power was issued to APGENCO. The State is also contemplating to reduce the technical and commercial losses to below 15 per cent by 2014-15. The energy department is also planning to strengthen comprehensive communication strategy to disseminate the factual position and relevant information to general public and all stakeholders and to seek their support and involvement for strengthening of the sector, Sahoo added.