India to have surplus power'

New Delhi: India is all set to be a power surplus country within the next four to five years, according to the Minister for Power, Mr Sushilkumar Shinde. He informed the Rajya Sabha that while currently there is a deficit of 70,000 MW, the situation would change radically. He said that massive capacity addition programme including introduction of ultra mega power projects with single generation unit of 4000 MW had been launched and his Ministry would soon approach the Cabinet for changing the hydro-electric policy to tap 150,000 MW of potential in the North-East region.

He also pointed out that in view of the past experience of failed US energy major Enron Corporation, the Government was taking all precautions while welcoming the private sector into power generation. India has also welcomed Russian and Chinese firms in power generation, he said.