Uninterrupted power on Jan 22 was sheer luck: PSEB chief
Megha Mann
Tribune News Service
Anandpur Sahib, January 24
Uninterrupted power supply in the state on the day Sukhbir Badal was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister (January 22) was just a matter of luck and coincidence, Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) chairman HS Brar said. He added that by chance Punjab had surplus power that day. "And it happened to be the Deputy CM's coronation and power was given the whole day," he said.
Brar was here to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. He denied that the PSEB had bought electricity for political interest, saying it was public's convenience that mattered. However, sources claimed that on January 22, the PSEB overdrew power from the national grid and procured 20 lakh units from Himachal. Also, instead of ensuring six-hour power supply to the farm sector, only four-hour supply was given.
Brar said a day before Sukhbir's coronation it had been raining, which led to decreased power consumption and later ensured uninterrupted power supply the next day.
As per arrangement, the PSEB borrows electricity from Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra in summers and returns it in winters.
As part of strategy to restore financial health of the board, Brar said it had been mooted to downsize the board staff. "For instance, I had an officer on special duty and other staff, who have been relieved of this charge. I can manage with the staff provided to me. Similarly, employees on deputation in the PSEB from other departments may be done away with," Brar added. He said cuts were being imposed to return electricity bought in summers. The PSEB will continue to give electricity till February 28.
“Keeping in mind the summer, we are propagating the use of CLF lamps replacing bulbs,” he said. The PSEB will convert 350 villages to complete CFL users and 190 of these have 100 per cent CFL lamps. Demand for power in the state is 925 lakh units and 815 units are being supplied. Brar hopes to ensure total supply in one year.
Also Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib will be provided hotline connection. There is a proposal of Rs 14.85 lakh, of which Rs 5.25 lakh has been collected with people’s help. Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda) is already getting 24-hour power supply.