New Delhi, Feb 13: While emphasizing for qualitative and quantitative reforms in electric distribution in J&K State,  Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said that Government is contemplating a bill to be brought in the coming session of Assembly so that all aspects of improving power transmission and distribution mechanism in the State are fully addressed.
The Chief Minister was speaking after taking presentation on critical aspects of power reforms process made by The Energy Research Institute (TERI), here. TERI is the consultants for the Jammu and Kashmir Government to prepare a turnaround plan for improvement and reforms in power distribution and transmission system in the state.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is taking various initiatives to reduce the transmission and distribution losses and ensure supply of electricity to the consumers smoothly. “My Government has flagged power sector as one of the most important concerns”, he said adding that a comprehensive strategy is being put into place for reforms in the distribution and transmission system to achieve twin objectives of better service and revenue realization.
Among many important initiatives Omar has taken for the development of power sector in the state, the expert consultancy of the country’s reputed institute TERI is being sought to upgrade and reform the most vital activity of power distribution and transmission in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar said that in order to fast track the procurement of electronic meters, henceforth a high powered committee headed by the Chief Secretary will take decisions about all the major procurements to be made for power development reforms.
In its presentation, TERI dwelt in detail about various aspects of improving power transmission and distribution mechanism in the state making recommendations for reduction of transmission losses and improving service to the consumers.
The Energy Research Institute recommended formulation of a similar Electricity Act in the state as that of Indian Electricity Act, 2003, justifying that it would pave the way for qualitative and competitive improvement in the supply of electricity to the consumers. TERI also suggested measures for energy conservation, restructuring of PDD and improving its governance.
TERI outlining various tasks to be performed for the reforms and improvement in the distribution and transmission sector indicated the requirement of Rs. 5800 crores as capital investment for the next ten years.
The Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, B. R. Sharma, Planning Commissioner, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner/Secretary Finance, Sudhanshu Pandey, Advisor, Planning Commission of India, A. K. Mishra, Joint Secretary, Union Power Ministry, Sudhir Kumar, Joint Advisor, Planning Commission, R. K. Koul and Director in the Union Ministry of Finance, Vandita Koul were present.
The Assistant Director, TERI, Shahid Hussain made the power point presentation.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST