Guwahati, Sept 25: The central government has, in the wake of an “unprecedented” power demand increase in Assam, decided to allocate an additional 179 MW of power to the state with effect from October 1, 2023.
The Union ministry of power has, in this connection, directed the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), to allocate 179 MW power from National Thermal Power Corporation’s Dadri-I plant to Assam.
“Keeping in view the power relinquished by the government of Delhi in NTPC Dadri-1 plant and the request of Government of Assam, it has been decided to allocate the 179 MW power (currently allocated to Haryana up to September 30, 2023 vide allocation order dated October 28,2022) of NTPC’s Dadri-I Plant to Assam with effect from October 1, 2023 for a period of one year at CERC determined tariff,” a letter to the CEA chairperson from the power ministry on Monday read.
The move comes after Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had met Union Power Minister RK Singh in New Delhi earlier this month and briefed him on the unprecedented 26 per cent increase in power demand, brought on by the expansion of the economy’s productive sectors.
The Union minister had, during the meeting with the chief minister, assured to provide 300 MW power to meet the state’s current energy requirements.
“My heartfelt gratitude to honourable Union power minister Shri Raj K Singh ji for considering my personal request and allocating an additional 179 MW of power to the state. We are committed to ensuring adequate supply of power to industries and households that fuels the Assam growth story,” the Assam chief minister posted on his official micro-blogging site on Monday evening.
IANS