Chief secy meets TPC, REL officials
The Financial Express — December 21, 2004

Maharashtra's newly-appointed chief secretary Prem Kumar on Monday held separate meetings with representatives of Tata Power Company (TPC) and Reliance Energy Ltd (REL) on their capacity addition plans in Mumbai and other parts of the state. Both TPC and REL have spelt out their short and long term plans in the state. TPC said that the company would make all out efforts to improve efficiency of its 1,750 mw Trombay thermal unit in northeast Mumbai.

Besides, TPC also promised to increase plant load factor of the Trombay unit. The company has also told the chief secretary that it would also consider the possibility of augmenting the generation capacity at Trombay. TPC has also briefed Mr Kumar about its plan to set up 1,000 mw coal-based power project at Vele, Raigad district. The company awaits clearance from the ministry of environment and forest. On the other hand, REL, which operates the 500 mw coal-based power project at Dahanu, Thane district, has informed that it was quite keen to pursue its 3,000 mw gas-based project in Raigad district.

REL, during its presentation on September 10, 2003 to former chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, had expressed its desire to set up 3,000 mw project in the state. However, there was no response from the state about various incentives it can offer to REL. Mr Kumar confirmed his meetings with TPC and REL officials. "It was mere interactive one," he told FE. Mr Kumar was accompanied by energy secretary BP Pande and Maharashtra State Electricity Board chairman Jayant Kawale.

TPC was represented by managing director F Vandrewala and executive director Prabhakar Kukde while REL's executive vice-chairman Satish Seth led the REL team. Today's maiden interaction between Mr Kumar and representatives of TPC and REL took place at a time when the state badly needs additional power to meet up its ever increasing power demand.