Govt frames stringent rules for new power transmission lines

Separate lines by different independent power producers will be discouraged and the HPTCL will work to coordinate pooling of power evacuation into existing lines. The government has already prepared a draft master plan for having a single river basin transmission line,for which a loan of $300 million is being availed from the Asian Development Bank by HPTCL. The final master plan is yet to be made. As per the amended provisions of the policy notified by Principal Secretary,Power,Deepak Sanan: “No owner of any transmission line will be allowed to deny its use if spare capacity is available. In case of dispute with a transmission line owner on the matter,the government has given power to the HPTCL to take the matter before the State Electricity Regulatory Commission under provisions of the Electricity Act 2003.”

Though the agencies may apply to the HPTCL for permission,the final approval will depend on many factors,like whether it is actually necessary,or if an existing transmission system is yet not fully utilised.

The state transmission utility will have the power to fix capacity of the existing and upcoming transmission lines and all transmission lines under construction in the state will be registered with the HPTCL.