Government in process of granting transmission connectivity to 20 power plants.

The government is in the process of granting electricity transmission connectivity to 20 power plants with a generation capacity of 11,000 MW, completing a chain of reforms in the sector including easing coal and gas availability, revival of state distribution companies, expediting project clearances and a push to renewable energy.

'About 20 applications for a quantum of about 11,000 MW for transmission connectivity are under process and are likely to be granted soon. The quantum of applications granted during 2013 and 2014 were only of the order of 1,300 MW and 1,450 MW respectively. However, during the current year, connectivity for 5,500 MW has already been granted,' a government official said. He added that electricity transmission capacity to southern states has been increased by 71% in the last 18 months with the commissioning of new lines.

The average transfer capacity to south India is expected to increase to 18,000 MW by 2019-20 from the present 5,900 MW with the commissioning of few more power transmission lines. The government has already taken a slew of initiatives to expedite forest clearances and other regulatory clearances to transmission projects.

The focus on electricity transmission sector is followed by key initiatives taken by the government to resolve numerous outstanding issues in the power sector.

ET