PSEB Engineers challenge Governments claim of surplus power
17-Dec-2009
Vinod Kumar Gupta /mynews.in

Jalandhar: PSEB Engineers Association has termed the Punjab Governments claims of becoming power surplus in next two to three years on completion of four thermal plants hollow.

Padamjit Singh Patron of Association said in a press conference after the regional protest meeting that there is shortage of at least 15 percent between demand and supply of thepower in the state. The power demand growth rate is between 8 to 10 percent annually. It would not be possible to meet the growing electricity demands even after the four proposed thermal Plants become operational in the next few years.

Padamjit said in the press conference that under such circumstances how we can claim that the State would be power surplus in the next three years. The construction has not started on three of the four thermal plants awarded so far and it was not expected even in the next six months. It normally takes 36 to 42 months to commission a thermal plant after the start of work in right earnest.

Bhupinder Singh General Secretary of the Association said that the board is not implementing even routine matters which had been agreed long back. In view of this theengineers are holding regional protest meetings.

HS Bedi President of Association said that there has been abnormal delay in promotions of engineers especially at middle and lower levels. PSEB is unilaterally deducting house rent of those engineers who are living in their own accommodation which is against all rules.

Bhupinder Singh further said that the Government is not paying full subsidy to PSEB Despite clear directions by PSERC the Government has made underpayment of Rs. 558.17 crores up to last month.