In a significant development, Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) has proposed an estimated cost of Rs 166 crore for taking over the power supply system in Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) Township. The proposal was tabled during a recent bipartite meeting between CSPDCL and BSP officials, held at the power company’s headquarters.

 

According to sources, discussions covered various logistical and financial aspects of the transition, including infrastructure upgrades necessitated to ensure consistent and quality power supply to the township. The officials deliberated whether the transition should be executed in phases or all at once. Given that the BSP’s Township Electrical Engineering Department (TEED) is a licensed electricity distributor, the final approval of the proposed cost lies with the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC).

 

In this connection BSP has already sought approval from SAIL for handing over the power supply to the power company with the payment of Rs 117 crore, the sources said. The transfer process of power supply by BSP-TEED to CSPDCL has been pending for more than decade time in want of approval and necessary sanctions. As part of measures the power company will take over the power supply with establishing seven substations of 33/11 KV and one of 132/33 KV at about 14 acres of land in BSP Township.

 

It is noteworthy that BSP-TEED has been facing substantial annual losses, primarily due to rampant electricity theft in areas like Khursipar and Camps. Losses in these zones alone amount to over Rs 40 crore each year. Past initiatives, such as Arial Bunch Cable and High Voltage Distribution Systems (HVDS), were abandoned following strong resistance from local residents. Speaking to The Hitavada, CSPDCL Managing Director Bheem Singh Kanwar confirmed that the Rs 166 crore estimate was submitted and may be revised, subject to updates in the Schedule of Rates (SOR). He also stated that further meetings may be convened to facilitate a seamless transition.