Dimapur, October 31 (MExN): The state Government takes note of a number of allegations yet again over the handing over of Likimro Hydro Electric Project. It may be mentioned that the department of Power had earlier issued a detailed statement on the conditions under which the Government decided to privatize the operations and maintenance of the project and also the manner in which the bids from various firms were evaluated.
A response from Power Commissioner & Secretary Temjen Toy, IAS, reiterated that the Government had decided to privatize the operations and maintenance of the project due to various logistical constraints such as non-assured regular flow of funds for operation and maintenance, shortage of manpower etc. He stated that the government invited bids from interested parties who were asked to offer their terms and conditions. “Bids were received from five parties.
After detailed examination by technical officers and keeping in mind the ultimate objective of the Government of getting electricity out of the project without having to invest further on the upkeep of the plant, the Government decided on awarding the operation and maintenance of the project on lease to NEC Energy Pvt. Ltd. Total transparency was maintained in the selection process” he stated.
Further, with the finalization of the Memorandum of Agreement executed between the Government and NEC Pvt. Ltd, the project has been generating power on a regular basis and thereby greatly supplementing the power supply from the regional grid, the department said. The commissioner also informed that from June 2006 up to September 2007, a total of more than 100 million units of electricity have been generated from the project which has resulted in a financial benefit of more than Rs. 7 Crores which would otherwise have been paid for normal grid supply.
“Besides, the department has also been able to earn substantial revenue for the State by way of power-trading during the peak monsoon months. Having seen the advantages of such an arrangement, the Government is now contemplating on making similarly arrangements for other projects as well” he added.
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