The process of privatizing power distribution in the Union Territory of Chandigarh has started, marked by the floating of the “notice inviting bids”.
The Electricity Wing of Engineering Department of Union Territory of Chandigarh has officially invited bids from interested parties to participate in the competitive bidding process.
The bidder, finally selected, will purchase 100 per cent shares in the Distribution Company responsible for distribution and retail supply of electricity, and will have a distribution licence in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The bidding process closes on December 30, 2020. Meanwhile, a pre-bid meeting has been scheduled for December 1, 2020 while the last date of submission of queries is November 24, 2020.
According to reliable media reports, the privatization process is targeted for completion by January 15, 2021.
Recent official statistics indicate that in FY19, the total electricity requirement in Chandigarh UT was 1775 million kwh. Distribution losses in that year stood at 13.5 per cent.
India’s endeavour of completely privatizing power distribution in its Union territories thus makes a beginning with Chandigarh. This will eventually be extended to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
Deemed Licensee
The Electricity Wing of Engineering Department of UT Administration of Chandigarh (referred to as EWEDC) is a deemed licensee under Section 14 of the Electricity Act 2003, is carrying out the business of transmission, distribution and retail supply of electricity in Chandigarh.
EWEDC functions as an integrated distribution licensee of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. EWEDC procures most of its power through its allocation from Central power generation companies such as NTPC, NHPC, NPCIL BBMB, SJVNL and THDC. EWEDC also buys short-term power for meeting the demand-supply shortfall during peak hours.
Richest, cleanest
Chandigarh is a city, district and Union Territory in India that serves as the capital of the two neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. It is bordered by Punjab to the north, the west and the south; and by Haryana to the east. The city is unique as it is not a part of either of the two States but is governed directly by the Union Government, which administers all such territories in the country.
Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in northwest India. It covers an area of approximately 114 sqkm. The metropolitan area of Chandigarh–Mohali–Panchkula collectively forms a Tricity, with a combined population of over 1.6 million.
The Union Territory of Chandigarh has been rated as one of the “Wealthiest Towns” of India as the city has one of the highest per capita incomes in the country. The city was also reported to be one of the cleanest in India based on a national government study.
Featured photograph (source: www.allgudthings.com) shows an overview of Chandigarh’s Sector 17, considered as the City Centre..
