Distribution , transmission in Punjab is now smoother--K D Chudhary interview
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As a state, Punjab has risen economically against all odds in the recent years. Power crunch and a deficient electricity supply mechanism was always a matter of debate and concern among the people and the powers-that-be. Since Punjab does not have enough power generation facility, the state used to depend upon external buying. This situation is still intact, but power distribution and transmission system has certainly improved ever since the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) was unbundled in 2010. “There is a marked improvement on front. Unbundling has proved bliss in disguise for Punjab,” said Karan Deep Chaudhri, Chairman and Managing Director, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), while talking exclusively to Daily Post. “Good days are now in for PSPCL,” he added. Here are excerpts:

How do you look at the post-unbundling power scenario in Punjab? Things seem to have improved a lot.

It is certainly a changed time now. Overall performance of power utility has improved a lot. There is adequate amount of power available for us. There is a change in public perception about PSEB as well. People now appreciate our services. They feel that reforms have done well to them. It is really an encouraging situation for now, and are looking forward to keep improving our performance.

Power cuts used to be the order of day in the state. People and industries were suffering alike.

That is a passé now. You can find out from the people about this. We have been able to ensure uninterrupted power supply. There has not even been a single minute power cut due to our fault. Yes, as and when there is disruption, that is largely because of natural problems like storms or heavy rains. That is addressed immediately. We are trying our best to ensure power supply remains streamlined 24x7 under all circumstances. We are confident to achieve this too. It will take some time.

How did you manage all this? New projects have not yet started generating power.

We have adequately purchased power through aggressive biddings. Keeping in mind the demand factor, the purchase of power was of utmost importance. You would be glad to know that this year we purchased power at the rate of Rs 4 per unit against Rs 6 per unit last year. We have banked power at a large scale. All this has enabled us in providing quality power services to the people.

Transmission and distribution losses remain a matter of concern.

You are right. Even on this front, we are improving a lot. Such losses have come down to 18.2 per cent now. We are making efforts to further reduce this to 17 per cent by the end of the current fiscal year. In the next three years, losses would be brought down to 15 per cent. The entire distribution and transmission network is being overhauled. In a nutshell, I would like to reiterate that in coming days, we are going to be an equally good power service provider in the country.

Power subsidy is also an issue in Punjab.

It is a policy matter, which is decided by the electorally formed government. We follow the government’s policies. Whatever subsidies the government pays to the users are being reimbursed back to us. You would be surprised to know that the government has paid Rs 64 crore more against subsidies as on to date. I would not like to comment much on this issue. I am confident that the government is seized with the matter and would act appropriately on right time.

In which areas do you think PSPCL needs more reforms?

We are very particular about our human resource department, which we want to thoroughly overhaul. We will bring in more professionals. There is a shortage of skilled and trained staff for the optimum application of information and technology (IT) in our working. We are going to improve upon this front effectively.
‘Distribution, transmission of power now smoother in Punjab’
Persistent power crunch marked by poor services was a bane for the state till the unbundling of power utility in 2010. Since then, the situation has been improving fast in more ways than one, says Karan Deep Chaudhri, CMD, PSPCL, in an exclusive conversation WITH

RAJEEV RANJAN ROY