Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has evinced interest in picking up state private sector power distribution companies' stake. At a press conference in Kolkata, H D Khunteta, director (finance), REC, said the company had started financing private sector power utilities and was open to acquiring stake in them. "If the right opportunity comes, REC will pick up equity stake in private companies,' he said.

In September 2003, the government of Gujarat introduced the Jyotirgram Yojana to improve rural power supply. Two major changes have since taken place: (a) villages get 24 hour three-phase power supply for domestic use, in schools, hospitals, village industries, all subject to metered tariff; and (b) tubewell owners get eight hours/day of power but of full voltage and on a pre-announced schedule. It has, however, offered a mixed bag to medium and large farmers and hit marginal farmers and the landless. This article offers an assessment of the impact of Jyotirgram, and argues that with some refinements it presents a model that other states can follow with profit. Feb 16-22, 2008

Electrification of border, disturbed districts on priority basis Compulsory to supply minimum 6 to 8 hours of power to villages NEW DELHI: Seeking to put back on track the power sector , the Centre has given a major boost to the rural electrification programme by allocating Rs. 28,000 crore for the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna (RGGVY) during the 11th Plan including taking up on priority electrification of border and disturbed districts . Other initiatives

Financial constraints to rural electrification projects have been overcome and electricity can be provided to all by 2012, Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said on Monday. "There was a money constraint under the 10th Five-Year Plan.' But under the 11th Plan, Rs. 28,000 crore was granted to the power sector. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also promised more funds if necessary for rural electrification under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. "As soon as the schemes are sanctioned, money will be released.'

The Centre has a plan to provide electricity on demand by the end of the 11th Five Year Plan, Union Minister for Power Sushilkumar Shinde said today. "However, we have targeted to produce 80,000 Mw in the 11th Five Year Plan, for which Rs 28,000 crore has been earmarked under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme (RGRES) compared to Rs 5,000 crore allocated in the last Plan, Shinde told at the concluding session of the two-day 85th Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) here, The 80,000-Mw power production included a 4,000-Mw ultra mega project, he said.

The supply of power is highly erratic in India. Even in a state like Maharashtra that claims to be one of the most progressive states, electricity supply is inconsistent. The Union government has promised to supply electricity to all the villages in India by 2012. Will the government be able to keep up its promise, is a moot point.

The dismal situation and poor quality of life in rural India is because of unavailability of energy. It is shown that sophisticated technology can help solve this and other problems of rural areas. A call is made to the global technological community to help provide such technologies. Finally issues of how much energy is needed for sustainable development are discussed.

Shorn of any big idea, Budget 2007 is an essay that tries to manage the exigencies of politics and the public outcry on inflation even as it attempts to balance the need for growth. It satisfies neither political wants nor economic needs.

This paper is based on a review of the effectiveness of solar home systems (SHS) in Africa in meeting users expectations on a service based analytical approach. Various projects have deployed SHS on the promise that they are cost-effective, can meet end-user demands, have ability to alleviate poverty, can save time and reduce emissions.

Sunderbans to have country s first tidal power plant

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