Govt seeks incentive from Centre to promote rooftop solar projects

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) officials claim the power utility has undertaken significant initiatives in the new and renewable energy sector.

According to PSPCL spokesperson, Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi chaired a regional workshop of officials from power utilities in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and J&K in Jaipur on January 21.

Ministers from Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal and J&K were also present on the occasion. A range of renewable energy topics related to Centre-run schemes were discussed during the workshop. Performance of the participating states in rooftop solar energy generation was also discussed.

“Punjab sought reduction in the trading margin of 7 paise per unit charged by the central PSUs that have been appointed as trading licensees for promoting renewable energy by the Centre. Enhancement of motor capacity from 7.5 to 15 horse power with central assistance under the PM KUSUM Scheme was also sought,” said the PSPCL spokesperson.

“To tackle environmental issues relating to stubble burning, Punjab sought central assistance for biomass (paddy straw)-based power projects plugging viability gap funding in the range of Rs 5 crore per MW to facilitate economic feasibility of such projects, as done in case of compressed biogas plants based on paddy straw,” he added.