CEA dismisses Bordoloi's demand for complete allocation of power from Bongaigaon TPP
India's apex power sector planning body - CEA - has turned down Assam Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi`s
demand for 100% allocation of power from the 750 MW Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project (BTPP) to the home state.
The minister in an attempt to increase power allocation to the power deficit state had requested the Cental
government for such allocation. He alternately suggested that the entire unallocated power of 113 MW (15%) from
BTPP be allocated to Assam.
8CEA, in its review of the minister`s demand, pointed out that the state has already been allocated 381 MW of
power from BTPP, which is 40 MW in excess of the previously worked out allocation for the state as per the
Central Allocation Formula.
8Revision in the allocation of power from the project amongst beneficiaries may be "resented" by other states,
the apex body said. It has instead suggested that Assam take up the matter with other beneficiary states and
seek their approval to surrender their share to Assam.
8Considering the acute power scarcity of 280 MW during peak hours, the CEA has asked the state to step up its
efforts for generation capacity addition and procurement of power, using the Case I/II bidding route if need
be.
8It contended that the Centre`s role is to supplement state governments by way of generation capacity addition
through Central Public Sector Undertakings but the onus of fulfilling power demand lies on the States' own
generating sources, share in CGSs and bilateral agreements for availing power.
8In response to Bordoloi's alternate suggestion regarding complete allocation of 113 MW unallocated capacity to
Assam, CEA said that it has to follow the standard procedure for allocating unallocated power to beneficiary
states depending upon the relative power supply position based on shortages, emergent requirements and seasonal
as well as agricultural demand, for BTPP.