VADODARA, Nov 30: The Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) will seek financial assistance from France for diesel generating (DG) sets.The representation would be made by a State-level delegation, which includes Energy Minister Kaushik Patel, Board member (Administration) S K Nanda, Board Chief Engineer (Distribution) N Shah and the Managing Director of Gujarat Industries Power Corporation Limited (GIPCL), during their week-long visit to France and Germany Sources said the Board's plea also has a recommendation from the State Government. The DG sets can be of much use during major power failures resulting due to cyclones and other natural disasters. The Board is expected to ask for 10 DG sets.During the cyclone which hit several parts of the State recently, the GEB had spent Rs 4 crore for hiring the DG sets.The high-level delegation will also study the reforms introduced in France in the electricity sector. The progress made in the distribution of electricity there would also be studied.Sources said assistance would also be sought for the GIPCL.The visit is considered to be of great significance taking into account the Board's decision to import coal and take up various measures for improving power generation, supply and take measures for reducing power theft.
