Punjab power rates set to go up

Aman Sood
Tribune News Service
Patiala, May 26

Power is set to cost more in Punjab with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) levying a fine of Rs 18 lakh per month per unit on all 13 units of four thermal plants in the state and also three units of privately owned Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, Mansa, and two units of Nabha Power Ltd, Rajpura.

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) had urged the Centre to “extend the deadline” for installing pollution control devices at these plants. The ‘environmental compensation’ will remain in force till the units comply with the norms. The fine, which has been piling up since January, will have to be deposited by the fifth of the succeeding month. This means, Rs 11.7 crore for the first five months is to be paid by June 5. Experts say the burden will be passed on to consumers.

PPCB member secretary Karunesh Garg said: “We will abide by the CPCB orders and write to them on the action taken.”

In a report, The Tribune had highlighted how the state government and PPCB had been pitching for private thermal plants. Industry experts suggest installation of fuel gas desulphurisation (FGD) system — to cut down emission of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and mercury — would increase power rates, and the burden would be borne by the consumers.

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