jalgaon :- Maha to procure power to reduce load shedding during Diwali

Oct 25 (PTI) Maharashtra Government today said if need be the state would procure power from outside to reduce load-shedding during the Diwali festival. "The festive season is on. We want to ensure that at least during the Diwali, people do not have to face long hours of load shedding. If need be, we may even procure power from outside," State Energy Minister, Ajit Pawar, said during an event here today. Currently, the demand-supply gap is nearly 3,000-4,000 MW. To bridge the gap, the Government is compelled to impose on an average 10 hours of load shedding in the state. "We want to become a load shedding free state by 2012 and we have taken all the necessary steps towards it for increasing generation capacity by undertaking various projects," Pawar said. Taking a strong stand against the defaulters, Pawar said, "electricity defaulters (in payments) will not be spared henceforth. Influence from ministers or public representatives in favour of defaulters will not be entertained and I have made this clear to all." Pawar also welcomed private companies coming forward to set up power plants in the state saying it would encourage competition. With the Central Government targeting a nearly 9,600 MW of power from renewable energy, the State Government also plans to set up solar power plants in the state. "We are

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