Source : pti

The estimated annual revenue from each MRF solar pant is Rs 29 lakh, bringing the total revenue to Rs 87 lakh. The MC would receive a yearly payment of Rs. 26 lakh. Nitin Kumar Yadav, Crest’s president and home secretary, served as meeting’s moderator while the project was discussed and ultimately approved. Senior administrators from various departments of the administration, including the environment and finance, as well as the MC, attended the meeting. The robotic facility was the first of its kind, so officials received a technical briefing on how it would be installed and run.

“It will be challenging to manually clean the MRF centres, as others do, due to their height. To enable automatic cleaning of the solar panels, a robotic facility must be made available “a senior official said.

The municipal corporation plans to install solar panel rooftops in every one of its buildings in the upcoming fiscal year with the goal of focusing on solar energy and regularly converting this endeavour into its new revenue production segment. Since the municipal body authority has already created a thorough strategy in this regard, it has been included in the authority’s next financial budget.

Source: PTI

UT Administrator Banwari Lal Purohit Monday inaugurated northern India’s largest floating solar power project of 2000kWp worth Rs 11.70 crore at waterworks, Sector 39.

The inauguration was held in the presence of MP Kirron Kher. He also inaugurated a 500kWp floating solar project with fountains at Dhanas Lake. Adviser Dharam Pal, director (environment) Debendra Dalai and Mayor Anoop Gupta were present on the occasion.

The floating solar power plant at waterworks, Sector 39, has been installed at a cost of Rs 11.70 crore, including 10 years O&M (operations and maintenance), and the 500kWp floating solar power plant with fountains has been installed at Dhanas Lake at a total cost of Rs 3.34 crore, including 10 years O&M for the plant as well as for the fountains.

These projects have been designed and executed by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society) and will generate a minimum of 35 lakh units (kWh) of solar energy per year with 20% module efficiency.

The Administrator appreciated the efforts of CREST and the Forest & Wildlife Department for developing and beautifying the Dhanas Lake with the lovely fountains, making it another tourist spot of the City Beautiful as earlier people were only aware of Sukhna Lake. He also urged the citizens to install rooftop solar power plants on their residential houses, office buildings, factories so as to tap the solar energy and asked the citizens to join hands with the administration in promoting solar power which is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable. “God has been very kind on India that we get so much of solar radiation. So we should make sincere efforts to tap this ultimate source of energy from every inch of space available,” he said

Source: PTI

Chandigarh : Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday inaugurated north India’s largest floating solar project of 2000kWp here.

The 2000kWp floating solar power plant at Water Works in Sector 39 has been commissioned at a cost of Rs 11.70 crore. He also opened the 500kWp floating solar power plant installed over the Dhanas lake here. It was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.34 crore.

Both the projects have been designed and executed by CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society) and will generate a minimum of 35 lakh units (kWh) per year with 20 per cent module efficiency, an official statement said.

The administrator appreciated the efforts of CREST and the Forest and Wildlife Department for developing and beautifying the Dhanas Lake with fountains, making it another tourist destination.

He also urged the residents to install rooftop solar power on their buildings so as to tap the solar energy.

Chandigarh MP Kirron Kher expressed happiness with the commissioning of the solar plant along with the fountains that have not only beautified the lake but also help creating awareness on need to tap the solar energy.

Dharam Pal, Advisor to the Administrator, appreciated the efforts of CREST on the inauguration of the unique floating projects, one of its kind in north India, and hoped that with this pace Chandigarh can achieve the target of the government of India to become 100 per cent renewable energy in the future.

Source: PTI

CHANDIGARH: With electric vehicles generating a serious concern over their carbon footprint and used battery pollution issues, the UT administration has started the process to bring in a policy on recycling of different EV components, particularly the battery.

With the administration pushing in stiff yearly targets for the next five years for registration of EVs in the city, it expects issues related to recycling to increase manifold accordingly. If not addressed now, it can create major issues after five years when the first lot of batteries complete their life cycle and need replacing.

Debendra Dalai, secretary, science and technology, said, “The wider policy framework is given by the central government. Steps taken to mitigate environment pollution like promotion of electric vehicles can be successful if it does not burden the environment in its complete lifecycle. The recycle policy addresses this issue.”

The administration had notified the Chandigarh EV Policy 2022 on September 20. The policy is valid for a period of five years from the date of notification (September 20, 2022) with a detailed review to be undertaken annually or as required.

Caps on purchase of fuel-based vehicles have kicked in, limiting their numbers. Similarly, targets for EVs have also come into force. By the third year of the policy, only electric two-wheelers will be registered. By the fifth year, 50% registered four-wheelers have to be e-cars only.

“Recycling EV batteries can reduce emissions associated by reducing the need for new materials in the making of an EV. A robust recycle policy with inbuilt incentives and infrastructure will promote recycling,” said a UT official.

Source: PTI

CSIO Issue Tender for Supply of 42 KW Solar Power plant from Nitrogen Plant building to rooftop of Community Centre at Chandigarh.

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CHANDIGARH: The department of science and technology of the UT administration has received four bids to install 44 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the first phase. One of the bids has been rejected during technical evaluation. The department will open the bids and allot the work to the suitable company out of the three.

The UT plans to install 100 EV charging stations in two years. The 44 EV stations are mostly coming up in paid parking lots, with sites already identified. These 44 stations will have 328 charging points. “Each EV charging station will have multiple ports, so that one EV charging station can facilitate many vehicles simultaneously. The charging stations have been designed with many ports, so that it won’t create hurdles for other vehicles during charging,” sources said. The UT had recently set a provisional budget of Rs 5 crore for the department of science and technology to disburse incentives to EV buyers. The amount or percentage of incentives against the purchase of EVs has been declared by the administration in its draft policy and will be available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

The UT had approved the draft policy for five years a few months back. Financial benefits will range from Rs 3,000 to Rs 2 lakh.

Source: PTI

CREST Issue Tender for O & M Work for 1045 kWp Grid Connected Rooftop SPV Power Plants at Different Sites in Chandigarh.

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To commemorate World Earth Day on the current year’s theme “Invest in our Planet”, another green energy initiative has been taken by the Department of Science and Technology and Renewable Energy, UT.

UT Adviser Dharam Pal, in the presence of DGP Praveer Ranjan and Debendra Dalai, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Renewable Energy, inaugurated a 350 kWp rooftop solar power plant at the Model Jail Complex, Sector 51, here today.

The solar plant has been installed in the outer parking area of the Model Jail at a cost of Rs. 1.78 crore. The project has been designed and executed by Chandigarh Renewable Science & Technology Promotion Society (CREST), UT. This plant will generate minimum 4,20,000 kWh (units) per year with 17 per cent module efficiency.

Dharam Pal appreciated the efforts made by CREST in developing Chandigarh as a model solar city. He further applauded the efforts of CREST in its continuous endeavour in promoting solar energy to make Chandigarh a green city. He said necessary action should be initiated to tap all potential rooftops/other spaces available for SPV power projects on the jail premises so that the Model Jail, Chandigarh, becomes energy surplus in another three months.

Source: PTI

Chandigarh: In a major boost to solar energy in the city, Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science and Technology Promotion (CREST) will install four solar projects totalling 6.5 MW capacity in different parts of Chandigarh. The Chandigarh administration has given financial sanctions to these projects and a financial estimate of around Rs 43 crore has been prepared. Final rates are likely to be decided after the tender process.

The four projects include two first of their kind solar power projects in the region over the two rivulets, N-Choe and Patiala ki Rao at a cost of Rs 13 crore each. The capacity of both the projects will be 2 megawatt each. A two megawatt capacity solar project is to come up on floating water works in Sector 39 at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. Finally, the fourth project of 500 kilowatts will come up at Dhanas Lake at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore.

The project will also have a fountain. CREST has completed the survey and study for the projects. The 2 megawatt capacity project at the Sector 39 water works will tap evaporating water for public use. It is aimed at saving potable water.

“The 2 megawatt project will collect water, which will be provided to 1,600 families in the city. The project will have multiple features, including energy saving, power generation and bringing waste water into public use. The floating solar power panels will be installed using latest technology,” an official said. Since all these projects are ready on paper, CREST is all set to start the tender process to hire competent companies and agencies for the works in the next few weeks after fulfilling required modalities. The authority has planned to complete the works either by the end of October or by November.

Source: PTI

Several areas in Chandigarh are witnessing a major disruption in power supply as employees of the electricity department have gone on a three-day strike against privatisation.

Major power outage was reported in several parts of Chandigarh as employees of the electricity department went on a three-day strike against the privatisation of the electricity department. The employees had called for the strike after the Chandigarh administration failed to convince them.

UT Powermen advisor Dharam Pal held a meeting with the Powermen Union to persuade them to call off the strike, but no consensus was reached.

Despite the assurance of the administration that the necessary arrangements had been made to maintain an uninterrupted electricity supply, many parts of the city faced power disruption for hours. The employees’ union has threatened to extend the protest indefinitely in case the privatisation move is not halted.

Necessary arrangements made

In view of the major blackout in the city, the administration informed the Municipal Corporation to arrange alternative sources of supply and seek aid from Haryana and Punjab for manpower. However, the residents were warned beforehand of power and water supply breakdown.

The necessary arrangements were put in place to tackle any kind of emergency during the power outage and the Chandigarh Police was kept in the loop to maintain the law and order situation.

At least thirteen technical engineers from the electrical wing of the engineering department and department officials were also deployed at various sub-stations to manage the crisis. The residents can also contact various complaint centres and police for electricity complaints.

The administration has set up three special control rooms in Sector 17, 9 and a Citizen Facilitation Centre to help the residents.

Many areas face power disruption

Residents of Modern Housing Complex, Mani Majra and Sectors 30-A, 46 and 28-D said the electricity supply was disrupted. There was no electricity in Sectors 40, 24, 46, 41 and 9.

Most of Industrial Area of Phases 1 and 2 faced power outages since Monday night.

Some areas also complained of no water supply in the morning as there was no electricity from midnight. A resident of Sector-9 claimed that he tried calling the complaint number but could not communicate with them.

Dept made profit in last 5 years

Due to power outages in Chandigarh city, residents and shopkeepers are facing the brunt as there has been a complete blackout in the majority of the sectors since midnight. Chandigarh Electricity Employees Union President Dhian Singh, while talking to India Today, said that the Department was always in profit and in the last five years the department has made Rs 1000 crore profit, but the department is still being privatized.

“Our 600 regular and 350 contract employees will straight away be affected by this,” he added.

Singh said that the department’s bidding has already been done at 871 crore and is being purchased by Eminent Electricity power distribution. He alleged that under the 2003 electricity Department act there is no provision to hand over the Govt dept in private hands.

Source : ians

The Chandigarh Administration has said that the EV policy will be in the public domain for 30 days in order to record suggestions and comments from all the stakeholders as well as the general public.

The Chandigarh Administration has approved the city’s first electric vehicle policy. The policy has been drafted for five years and will come into effect from April this year. The policy aims to make Chandigarh a Model EV City.

The draft of the policy will be in the public domain for 30 days in order to record suggestions and comments from all the stakeholders as well as the general public of the union territory before the policy is cleared.

The policy will incentivise the adoption of a wide arena of electric vehicles including electric bicycles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, electric cargo vehicles as well as four-wheelers, passenger and commercial. The incentives will be over and above the central government’s FAME II subsidy and customers who want to avail have to register their vehicle in Chandigarh.

While EVs are already exempted from road tax in Chandigarh till 2024, the new draft policy also dictates incentives to buy electric vehicles including waiving the registration fee. Moreover, commercial EVs including two-wheelers used for last-mile delivery should convert to an electric fleet by March 31, 2024. This will include cab aggregators as well.

Source: news18

Chandigarh : The All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) on Sunday urged the government to withdraw cabinet decision on privatization of electricity distribution in UT Chandigarh as the matter is still sub-judice.

A spokesperson AIPEF VK Gupta said the legal challenge filed by UT employees is still sub-judice as the matter was first referred to SC which then directed it to High Court. The next date
of hearing is January 20 and High Court is yet to decide the case on its merit. It seems that the UT administration has not brought the full facts of the case before the central government. Pertinently, Union Cabinet approves the bid of the highest bidder on January 6 to privatize the electricity department of the Chandigarh administration.

The decision to privatize electricity in UT Chandigarh has been opposed not only by the employees but also by the consumers whereby all the Resident Welfare Associations have strongly opposed the privatisation move.

The government must scrap the privatisation move as all stakeholders are strongly opposing it. Meanwhile, the UT Powermen Union has called a protest rally in Sector 17 on January 11.
General Secretary of the body Gopal Dutt Joshi, said, “We are still awaiting High Court decision on the petition filed on the issue, but the administration has finalised the privatisation. We will
announce a strike call against UT’s decision during rally.

Section 133 of the Electricity Act 2003 makes it compulsory that under the favourable transfer scheme the service conditions of employees and staff must not be less favourable. Electricity
consumers have serious apprehension that after privatizing the department the electricity tariff will be hiked to give more profits to a private party at the cost of consumers.

The policy of the government to give profitable avenues to the corporates to make more and more profit at the cost of the public is condemnable. Under Electricity Act 2003 the govt. has to
take the advice of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission where major changes in policy are involved, and which has not been done in case of UT Chandigarh.

Source : PTI

A 500 kilowatt solar power project costing Rs 2.5 crore over N-choe near the Palm Garden in the southern part of the city is likely to be ready in six months.

Chandigarh : A 500 kilowatt solar power project costing Rs 2.5 crore over N-choe near the Palm Garden in the southern part of the city is likely to be ready in six months.

The Chandigarh Renewable Energy of Science and Technology Promotion Society (Crest) has got a detailed project report approved, ready to launch its tender.

The UT had given a revised target of achieving 75 MW solar energy in the city by August 2023, spurring it to plan multiple projects. The second such project over another rivulet, Patiala ki Rao, with a capacity of 2 MW will cost Rs 12 crore and come up at a later stage.

Both the project will be carried out from the capital head of the authority through a tender process. Another big solar energy project (10MW) is planned at the waterworks in Sector 39. Moreover, plans are under way to set up solar plants at other government buildings and private houses too.

Source : PTI

1. Torrent 606
2. Tata 426
3. Adani 471
4. Eminent 871
5. NTPC 563
6. Renew 551
7. Sterlite 201

The proposed purchase incentives are besides the demand incentives offered by the Central government.

IN A bid to promote pollution-free electric vehicles, the UT Administration has prepared a draft of financial incentives for the purchasers of e-vehicles. The proposed purchase incentives are besides the demand incentives offered by the Central government.

The Chandigarh Renewal Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society (Crest) also proposes to waive registration fee for e-vehicles. The e-vehicles are already exempted from road tax in Chandigarh till 2023.

As per the proposed plan, Rs 5,000 incentive is offered for the purchasers of first 1,000 e-four-wheelers with per kWh of battery capacity. Rs 5,000 incentive is offered for the purchaser of first 2,000 electric two-wheelers per kWh of battery capacity.

Rs 30,000 purchase incentive is proposed to the registered owners for the purchase of electric three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, e-carts, e-autos conditioning the model with lead acid batteries and swappable models, where battery is not sold with the vehicle.

A source said, “The incentive of Rs 5,000 on the purchase of four-wheelers will be subject to a maximum purchase incentive of Rs 75,000 per vehicle, which means the incentive proposed by the administration along with already given under Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric vehicles (FAME) should not be more than Rs 75,000.

FAME is the part of National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. Similarly, the purchase incentive of Rs 5,000 proposed for two-wheeler e-vehicles shall be subject to total incentive of Rs 30,000, including incentive given under FAME India phase-2 guidelines.”

The source said, “All these vehicles should be certified by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Besides this, it is proposed that the commercial vehicles, including two-wheelers attached with food delivery companies, courier services along with all cab services including Ola, Uber, should be electric by March 31, 2024. Though the road tax for the e-vehicle is already waived off by the UT transport department till 2023, free registration of these vehicles is also proposed till 2023.”

As per the proposed plan, the incentives will be given on e-vehicles, which cost less than Rs 15 lakh. The high-end e-vehicles, which cost over Rs 15 lakh, will be exempted from the incentives.

A senior officer said, “The final decision on the proposed purchase incentives is yet to be taken. The matter will be discussed at the highest level with Adviser Dharam Pal and Administrator V P Singh Badnore shortly.”

The UT Administration is set to promote e-vehicles. A total of 48 charging stations at nine points, including Sukhna Lake, Sector 8 market, Sector 9, Ramdarbar and Mani Majra have been constructed.

Shortly, a tender will be floated for giving the contract of running charging stations. At least 40 electric buses are expected to arrive in the city till October. The charging station for heavy vehicles will be maintained by UT transport department.

Source: indianexpress

SC Order on Chandigarh Discom Privatisation.

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In its constant endeavor to accelerate EV adoption in the country, Tata Motors and Tata Power recently inaugurated a high-speed CCS2 EV charging station at RSA Motors in Chandigarh.

In its constant endeavor to accelerate EV adoption in the country, Tata Motors and Tata Power recently inaugurated a high-speed CCS2 EV charging station at RSA Motors in Chandigarh.

With this, the company operates the largest charging network of 3 chargers in Chandigarh and 6 throughout Punjab, located on major routes. All Tata EV customers can now travel carefree to and from Chandigarh-Ludhiana and Chandigarh-Ambala, which are some of the major industrial cities in Punjab.

Convenient and reliable, this high-speed EV charger is equipped to charge the Nexon EV from 0-80% in just one hour. Accessible via the Tata Power EZ Charge, an app designed to offer seamless user interface, Nexon EV users can now easily find, pay for, and use the charging station when away from home. This application will also allow the user to monitor their charge status and get notified when they are ready to go.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Ramesh Dorairajan, Head – Sales, Marketing and Customer Care, Electric Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “In line with our commitment to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the country, we are pleased to bring a high-speed EV charging station in Chandigarh at RSA Motors.

The availability of the charging station will not only enhance the convenience factor for those who are away from home, but will also actively contribute in addressing barriers to the EV adoption.

We are committed to build a seamless charging experience in collaboration with Tata Power and take the EV charging infrastructure to the next level. With a rapidly increasing charging network and the exceptional range that Nexon EV offers, we are confident that our EV customers would like to spend more and more time on the go now.”

Commenting on the inauguration, Sandeep Bangia, Head- EV, HA & ESCO Business, Tata Power, said,”We are committed to accelerating EV adoption across the country by expanding our charging infrastructure footprint.

Currently, Tata Nexon EV owners can access over 292 charging points installed across cities and on several prominent intercity routes across India. In Punjab alone, we have installed 6 charging points and this number is only expected to increase.

The CCS2 charging station like the one installed at RSA Motors are typically installed at workplaces, hotels, and commercial areas where EV owners normally spend several hours and can conveniently recharge their vehicles.

With the availability of the charging station in the city, we urge EV owners and enthusiasts to make the most of your nearest charging station and power yourself.”

Further, to accelerate the adoption of EVs in India, Tata Motors also introduced a holistic e-mobility ecosystem “Tata uniEVerse” to closely leverage the strengths and experience of other Tata Group companies to create a viable EV environment.

Powered by Tata uniEVerse, consumers will have access to a suite of e-mobility offerings including charging solutions, innovative retail experiences and easy financing options.

Source: automotiveworld

The All India Power Engineers’ Federation (AIPEF) on Monday urged the government to scrap the bidding for privatisation of electricity distribution in Chandigarh.

The All India Power Engineers’ Federation (AIPEF) on Monday urged the government to scrap the bidding for privatisation of electricity distribution in Chandigarh.

“All India Power Engineers’ Federation (AIPEF) has demanded to scrap the bidding for privatisation of electricity in UT Chandigarh in view of the interim order of Punjab and Haryana High Court which puts brakes on privatisation process,” AIPEF spokesperson V K Gupta said in a statement.

The High Court order of May 28 states, “We feel that privatisation is not a panacea for all the ills and privatisation with the blind motive of so-called efficiency falls flat as this department is not only a profitable one but also time and again matched the high standards of customers’ satisfaction and has a big role in maintaining the City Beautiful.”

“With great pain and anguish, it is recorded that we are unable to reconcile with the fact that when the whole world is grappling with the deadly virus when there is no oxygen, no ICUs, a long queue at the cremation grounds and no place in the hospitals, the undue hurry on the part of the administration to hand over the profit-making department to the private entity at this stage of the history and in this situation of the crisis faced by the entire mankind seems to be misplaced,” the order said.

Gupta further said that it is highly regrettable that the UT administration, as well as the Ministry of Power, is going ahead with the privatisation against the principle laid down by the court and this would be a clear case of deliberate contempt of court.

The AIPEF has written to the Ministry of Power about alleged gross irregularity in the bidding process as “Transaction Adviser” of Chandigarh administration is also the chartered accountant of one of the bidders.

This is a case of “conflict of interest” and should be referred to the “High-Level Steering Committee” and nothing has been done to safeguard the interest of employees of UT Chandigarh under the provisions of section 133 of the Electricity Act 2003, it pointed out.

The employees would be the worst sufferers of the privatisation process, it opined.

The representative of the Ministry of Home had emphasised the criticality of safeguarding the interest of employees in the privatisation process in the meeting of the High-Level Steering Committee held on September 17, it added.

Further, the Ministry of Power has proposed that the assets of UT Chandigarh may be transferred to the private party at a nominal cost of Re one where the cost data is not available in the asset register against section 131 of the Electricity Act 2003, it pointed.

Source: PTI

The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of Industries and Commerce Department, said the State Government has decided to formulate a policy to promote eco-friendly electric vehicles instead of diesel-petrol vehicles that cause pollution.

Chandigarh: The Haryana government will formulate a policy to manufacture electric vehicles and convert petrol-diesel vehicles into electric vehicles in the state for which suggestions will be invited after consultation with vehicle manufacturers and industry experts, deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala said here on Saturday.

Chautala presided over a meeting of senior officers of Industries and Commerce Department and gave necessary guidelines regarding policy formulation, an official statement said.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of Industries and Commerce Department, said the State Government has decided to formulate a policy to promote eco-friendly electric vehicles instead of diesel-petrol vehicles that cause pollution.

He said that apart from the purchase of new electric vehicles, the existing vehicles would also be replaced with electric vehicles at the end of their time.

This work will be completed in a phased manner, he said. In order to ensure that there is no problem in charging the vehicle, charging stations will be set up in every city as well as on main roads, he added.

It has already started with the inauguration of the first charging station of the State in Panchkula, he said. Apart from this charging stations will also be built at Government offices and Board and Corporations as well as private sites, he added.

Haryana Government will lay emphasis on creating vehicle charging infrastructure in all new apartments, high rise buildings and technology parks, he said.

The government will encourage the developing market for the disposal of electric vehicles batteries, he said. Similarly, clean fuel and renewable energy based charging/battery swapping stations will be encouraged, he added.

Meanwhile, Chautala directed the officers of the Labour Department to ensure that financial assistance being given to the children of registered workers in the State at the time of their marriage, the Kanyadan amount for the marriage of girls and in case of death of any worker should be given to the family members within 48 hours of submitting the application.

Source: PTI

Petition to Stop Proceedings with Regard to Privatization of Electricity in UT, Chandigarh.

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]]> https://www.eqmagpro.com/aipef-demands-scrapping-of-bidding-for-discoms-in-union-territories/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aipef-demands-scrapping-of-bidding-for-discoms-in-union-territories Thu, 27 May 2021 05:01:17 +0000 https://www.eqmagpro.com/?p=237729

In the case of UTs, no guidelines are issued by Government of India for competitive bidding under Section 63 of the Electricity Act 2003 for a distribution company.

All India Power Engineers’ Federation (AIPEF) on Wednesday demanded scrapping of ongoing bidding for discoms in Union Territories citing serious flaws. The Federation has particularly mentioned the ongoing bidding of discoms in Chandigarh and Dadra Nagar Haveli Daman Diu.

“AIPEF has pointed out serious flaws in the bidding process of privatization of power distribution in UTs and has demanded that the ongoing bidding process be scrapped in the absence of central government’s clear-cut approved guidelines,” an AIPEF statement said.

AIPEF spokesperson V K Gupta claimed that the government is exploiting the crisis of the pandemic to put forth its policy of privatization of the power sector, and the draft National Electricity Policy 2021 that conflicts with the Electricity Act 2003 should be withdrawn.

In the case of UTs, no guidelines are issued by Government of India for competitive bidding under Section 63 of the Electricity Act 2003 for a distribution company.

This is a gross anomaly in the present case. As such before taking up the privatization of electricity distribution in any union territory, the policy and parameters of competitive bidding must be finalized.

Gupta said the Centre is pushing the competitive bidding of privatization of electricity wing of Chandigarh and Dadra Nagar Haveli Daman Diu.

Privatization of distribution companies is not allowed by competitive bidding when the competitive bidding guidelines are non-existent and have not been issued, AIPEF said.

Any bidding carried out with missing guidelines is against Electricity Act 2003 and should be cancelled, it argued.

The decision of the central government on May 12 last year that the distribution function in all the UTs should be privatized is an executive decision of the Home Ministry and this should not overrule the provision of Electricity Act 2003 in a matter relating to the privatization of electricity, it pointed out.

The “confusing and conflicting” policy is being adopted by different UTs in the absence of a clear-cut policy as standard bidding documents issued by the Ministry of Power in September last year has not yet been finalized, it stated.

In the case of Chandigarh, the parameter is 100 per cent equity sale, and in the case of Dadra Nagar Haveli Daman Diu, the bidding parameter is 51 per cent equity sale.

In Chandigarh, the commercial and domestic consumers are the main source of earnings for discoms as the agriculture load is less than 1 per cent, AIPEF noted adding that in both cases, it is high revenue, low loss system with financial surplus utilities.

This violates the present National Electricity Policy where “cherry-picking “is not allowed, it stated emphasising that privatization of such distribution assets should not be allowed.

Source: PTI

The Executive Engineer, CPWD Chandigarh on behalf of the President of India has invited online Percentage Rate Bids through E-tendering process for ‘Providing Solar Photo Voltaic Generation System of 100kWP at Census of India, Sector 19, Chandigarh’.

The two bid system including Part I Eligibility or Pre-Qualification Bid and Part II Price Bid, will be conducted through E-Tendering process from the specialized agencies or firms fulfilling the eligibility criteria.

The estimated cost of the work is nearly Rs 61,06,000. The time allowed for carrying out the work will be three months from the date of start or from the first date of handing over the site.

The eligibility for submission of bid documents states that the enlistment of the CPWD contractor should be valid on the last of submission of bids. The enlistment of the contractor should be valid on the original date of submission bids. The site for the work will be available in phased manner.

Various documents related to the project such as bid document consisting of plans, specifications, schedule of quantities of various types of items, terms and conditions, and others are available on the official website of CPWD, tenderwizard.com and eprocure.gov.in.

The official notification states that the bid submitted will be opened on May 14, 2021 at 05:30 pm. Click here for further details on Providing Solar PV Generation System of 100 KWP at Census of India Chandigarh.

Providing Solar PV Generation System of 100 KWP at Census of India Chandigarh.

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Sources in the MC said the Sector 39 water works has over six big tanks and all were under renovation to enhance their water storage capacity

Chandigarh: The municipal corporation is all set to get its first solar power plant at the main water works in Sector 39, costing between Rs 4-5 crore. The 1MW plant will come up over the clear water tank and the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology (CREST) will run it through a selected private player.

The project will come up under Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) mode, under which the private company will install solar energy plants on the property and in return charge from the building owner a much lower tariff than the normal electricity rate for about 15 or 25 years or whatever period is agreed in the tender. In the MC’s project, the agreement will be for 25 years.

With this mode, the MC will be able to save around Rs 26 lakh annually by giving less power tariff of the water works. “In RESCO mode, we will have to pay Rs 3.33 per unit to the company as power tariff, and currently we are paying Rs 5.2 per unit. Therefore, it will give us a benefit of around Rs 26 lakh annually,” an MC officer said.

Sources in the MC said the Sector 39 water works has over six big tanks and all were under renovation to enhance their water storage capacity. If this project remains successful, all the tanks will have solar plants. “Deliberations for the project were going on for the past few months and senior engineering officers had also held meetings with the CREST officials. This is the first project to be matured,” sources said.

Target of 69MW

The Central government had given the Chandigarh administration a target to install 69MW solar plants in the entire city by 2022. The CREST has managed to install plants of 39.426MW so far, covering both government as well as private buildings. But to meet the target, the CREST has to install more solar plants, for which different schemes are being offered to people.

Source: Reuters