Power and Energy Position in Assam

 

 

In pursuance of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 and as a part of the Assam Power Sector Development Programme, the Government of Assam has set in motion the process of unbundling the Assam State Electric Board (ASEB) into five Government Companies in 2004. The five companies are - the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), the Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL), Upper Assam Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UAEDCL) for the areas of supply in the Upper Assam Region, the Central Assam Electricity Distribution Company Limited (CAEDCL) for the central areas and the Lower Assam Electricity Distribution Company Limited (LAEDCL) for the areas of supply under the lower Assam Areas. These initiatives are in the interest of all the stakeholders in the electricity sector in the State, i.e. consumers, shareholders, suppliers, creditors, infrastructure builders and the Government of Assam. In the recent past the UAEDCL, CAEDCL, LAEDCL have been merged and renamed as Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL). Thus, ASEB has three successor companies at present namely- (1) Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), (2) Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL) and (3) Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL). However, the schemes like - Externally Aided Project, Rural Electrification, Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (APDRP) which are yet being executed under Assam State Electricity Board.

 

 

Installed capacity and Generation of Power:

 

The installed capacity of generating plants at present in the State is 401.50 MW which include Hydel and Gas Plants of the State. The installed capacity for generating power has come down due to de-commissioning of Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station (BTPS) and Mobile Gas Turbine sets and de-rating of age-old units of Namrup (NTPS.)

 

Although the Chandrapur TPS was shut down due to exorbitant cost of fuel since June 1999 [however the revival process of the Chandrapur TPS through PPP is on by using alternative fuel], the functioning of Hydel Power Project since 2006-07 has brought some changes to the power generation scenario in the State. In 2009-10, the power generation in the state increased to 1712.21 MU from 1682.82 MU in 2008-09 which was only 867.539 MU in 2006-07.

 

Installed Capacity and Power Generating by ASEB:

 

Particulars

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

A. Installed Capacity of Generating Plants (MW)

 

 

 

1. Thermal (Coal/Oil)

60.00

60.00

60.00

2. Hydel

102.00

102.00

102.00

3. Gas

239.50

239.50

239.50

Total

401.50

401.50

401.50

B. Goss Unit Generated (MU)

 

 

 

1. Thermal (Coal/Oil)

0.00

0.00

0.00

2. Hydel

501.18

434.40

401.91

3. Gas

1031.14

1248.20

1310.30

Total

1541.317

1682.820

1712.21

C. Auxiliary Consumption (MU)

1. Thermal (Coal/Oil)

0.00

0.00

0.00

2. Hydel

0.98

0.79

2.01

3. Gas

42.20

52.16

86.01

Total

43.18

52.95

88.02

D. Net Unit Generated (MU)

1. Thermal (Coal/Oil)

0.00

0.00

0.00

2. Hydel

509.20

433.61

399.90

3. Gas

988.94

1196.26

1224.29

Total

1498.13

1629.87

1624.19

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11

 

Power supply position:

 

The energy requirement in the State has been worked out at 5049 Million Units during the year 2009-10 as against 5039 Million Units in the previous year. But the availability of energy during the periods was 4590 Million Units and 4270 Million units respectively. To meet the demand of the requirement of power, the ASEB is purchasing power from other public and private sources.

 

Requirement and Shortage of Electricity in Assam:

 

Item

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

A. Energy Requirement (MU)

4621

5039

5049

Availability (Million Unit)

4018

4270

4590

Shortage (Percentage)

15.00

18.00

10.00

B. Peak Demand (MW)

891

972

974

Peak Demand Met (MW)

775

824

885

Shortage (Percentage)

13.04

15.25

9.09

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11

 

The overall power supply position has not been satisfactory during the past several years. But since 2007-08, the power supply position has been improving slightly as compared to past years.

 

Per Capita availability Status:

 

Year

Gross electrical energy availability (MU)

Projected Population (in '000)

*Per capita availability status (Kwh)

2005-2006

3267.87

28506

115.00

2006-2007

3344.30

28896

116.00

2007-2008

4013.62

29282

137.00

2008-2009

4270.00

29660

144.00

2009-2010

4590.00

30037

153.00

*Per capita availability estimated on projected population

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11

 

 

Power Consumption:

 

As a result of improvement in the power generation, the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) could able to sale more power to the consumers during the recent years. During the year 2008-09, the sale of power has increased to 3012551 MWH as against 2711547 MWH sold during 2007-08 which is further increased to 3258786 MWH in 2009-10 thereby registered more than 8.17 per cent increase in the sale of electricity over the year. The statistics of the pattern of consumption during the last three years reveal that the Domestic Sector has been consuming highest amount of power since long back, followed by the Industrial Sector and Commercial Sector in the State.

 

Sale of Electricity by Type of Consumption of Electricity in Assam:

 

Sl. No.

Type  of Consumption

Consumption

% of Consumption to total

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

1.

Jeeban Dhara (Upto ) 0.5 KW)

29612

32860

32860

1.09

1.09

1.01

2.

Domestic

964840

1071106

1191746

35.58

35.55

36.57

 

a) Dom A LT (0.5 to 5 KW)

863850

960570

1070951

31.81

31.88

32.86

b) Dom B LT (5 KW to 20 KW)

73570

79810

85331

2.71

2.65

2.62

c) Dom HT (20 KW to Above)

27420

30726

35464

1.01

1.02

1.09

3.

Commercial

345450

411190

449517

12.74

13.65

13.79

 

a) Com. LT (upto 20 KW)

226230

262810

272597

8.34

8.72

8.36

b) Com. HT (20 KW & Above)

119220

148380

176920

4.40

4.92

5.46

4.

General Purpose

53457

57170

59480

1.97

1.90

1.82

5.

Public Lighting

6404

5210

5588

0.24

0.17

0.17

6.

Public Works

45250

47209

50531

1.67

1.57

1.55

7.

Irrigation

20680

20730

25100

0.76

0.69

0.77

8.

Industries

507960

595230

640903

18.73

19.76

19.67

 

 

a) Small Ind LT (Rural upto 20 KW)

34920

40600

42466

1.29

1.35

1.30

b) Small Ind LT (Urban)

24080

24470

24878

0.88

0.81

0.74

c) Small Ind HT (upto 50 KW)

17650

21370

22890

0.65

0.71

0.70

d) Ind -I HT (50 to 150 KW)

44010

46760

49587

1.62

1.55

1.52

e) Ind -II HT (Above 150 KW)

387300

462030

501082

14.28

15.33

15.38

9.

Bulk (Govt. Education)

37720

41859

47858

1.37

1.39

1.47

10.

Agriculture

2174

3727

6998

0.08

0.12

0.21

11.

Tea, Coffee and Rubber

333910

357810

360537

12.31

11.88

11.06

12.

Oil and Coal

80410

68640

69069

2.97

2.28

2.12

13.

Others

268680

272810

288597

9.91

9.05

8.86

14.

Temporary for all use & Misc. consumption

15000

27000

30000

0.55

0.90

0.92

 

Total

2711547

3012551

3258786

100

100

100

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11

 

Internal and Total Revenue:

 

Year

Internal Revenue

Total Revenue

2005-2006

923.00

993.00

2006-2007

1047.00

1130.00

2007-2008

1176.00

1517.00

2008-2009

1330.00

1733.00

2009-2010

1483.00

1566.00

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11

 

 

Transmission and Distribution Losses:

 

Power, which is supplied to various categories of consumers passes through various stages from transformation to higher voltage level to final distribution in the premises of the consumers, involves energy losses is known as Transmission and Distribution losses. The Transmission and Distribution loss in the State was calculated as 31 percent during the year 2010-11(upto January 2011), which includes commercial losses as well. However, power loss through transmission is an area of concern for the power deficit State like Assam.

 

Transmission & Distribution Losses and Transmission & Commercial (AT&C) Losses:

 

Sl. No

Item

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011*

 

Energy Input (MUs)

3877.72

4391.90

3902.99

 

Energy Billed (MUs)

2797.60

3247.00

2803.17

 

T & D Losses (MUs)

1080.12

1144.90

1099.82

 

Amount Billed (Rs. in lac)

28

20

28

 

Amount Realised (Rs. in lac)

133100.84

146319.43

139951.30

 

Collection Efficiency (%age)

128990.55

142174.08

133985.49

 

Overall Efficiency (%age)

97

97

96

 

Overall Efficiency (%age)

70

72

69

 

AT&C Loses (%age)

30

28

31

* Up to January, 2011. AT&C losses: Transmission and Commercial Losses.

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11

 

 

Rural Electrification:

 

Like most of the states of the country, Assam is also lagging behind in respect of rural household’s electrification. In Assam, out of the total 25,124 numbers of inhabited villages (as per 2001 Population Census) 16814 villages [67.0 percent] have been electrified till the end of March, 2010.

 

District-wise Number of Villages Electrified in Assam:

 

Districts

No. of Inhabited Village

(2001 Census)

No. of villages Electrified (Cumulative)

2008-2009 2009-2010

Dhubri

1261 782 782

Kokrajhar

951 480 488

Bongaigaon

761 501 545

Goalpara

881 652 672

Barpeta

1050 789 795

Nalbari

798 653 729

Kamrup

1342 927 943

Darrang

1319 1086 1111

Sonitpur

1784 1096 1198

Lakhimpur

1139 503 519

Dhemaji

1236 2094 294

Morigaon

592 321 474

Nagaon

1375 1014 1017

Golaghat

1066 509 905

Jorhat

787 472 714

Sivasagar

866 761 811

Dibrugarh

1309 1032 1069

Tinsukia

1107 984 1075

Karbi Anglong

2633 435 547

North Cachar Hills

605 124 124

Karimganj

915 660 700

Hailakandi

327 242 271

Cachar

1020 749 1031

Assam

25124 15066 16814

Source: Statistical Handbook Assam 2010

 

 

On Going Schemes:

 

For improvement of the power supply position, several projects have been undertaken in the State of Assam.

 

Thermal:

 

A. Lakwa waste Heat Project (1 X 37.2 MW):

 

Construction work of one 37.2 MW Waste Heat Recovery unit has been going on since April’ 2006 at Lakwa Thermal Power Station.

 

EPC contract for the main plant was awarded to M/s BHEL.

 

Total Project Cost: Rs.236.4 crore.

 

Funding: 30% equity from Govt. of Assam and 0% loan from Power Finance Corporation Ltd.

 

Additional Central Assistance (ACA) accorded by the Govt. of Rs.50,00.00 Lakh in 2005-06 and 18,33.00 Lakh in 2006-07. The balance fund Rs.16548.00 crore procured from Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFCL) as Loan.

 

So far 95% of equipment supply and 60% of overall project work is completed.

 

 

B. Namrup Replacement Power Project (Ph.-I & II, 2X100 MW):

 

M/s NTPC was entrusted to prepare the detailed Project Report (DPR) for phase of the project. M/s DCPL of Kolkata was appointed as consultant. Finally, tender for phase, i.e, 1X100 MW project was invited in Sept’07. Meanwhile, all statutory clearances like Environmental clearance, Aviation clearances etc were obtained. The gas fuel linkage of 0.66 MMSCMD for existing plant shall be utilized for the new project. M/s BHEL was awarded the EPC contract for Rs.564.6 crore on 31st Dec’94 and initial advance of Rs.17.795 crore Paid to BHEL on 09-02-09.

 

The preliminary project activities are currently in progress. Schedule date of commissioning of the project: Jan’2012 (35 months from Zero date).

 

Funding:

 

Total Project cost is 693.92 crore. Out of the total project cost, the GOA is committed to provide 30% of the project cost i.e. Rs.208.00 crore as equity fund and 70% (Rs.486.00 crore) as loan from PFCL 30% Govt. Equity (ACA) is 208.00 crore. & 70% (486.00 crore.) loan from PFCL.

 

An amount of 30.00 crore has been received under ACA/SPA- 2007-08. An amount of 12.25 crore was sanctioned for the project under ACA-2008-09 and the State Government was further requested to release balance amount of 17.75 cr. under ACA/SPA-2008-09.

 

 

HYDEL:

 

As per the Govt. of Assam’s Policy for development of Small hydro Project in the State APGCL has taken up implementation of the following SHP’s:

 

i) Lungnit SHEP (2 x 2 x 1.5 MW):

 

The proposed Lungnit Small Hydroelectric Project, is in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, envisages utilization of 355 sq. km. of catchments area of Lungnit River in two stages.

 

Financial Status:

 

Total Project cost with (IDC ): 55.81crore.

 

Funding Pattern:

 

MNRES: Rs.18.00 crore.
PFCL: Rs.30.00 crore.
GoA: Rs.2.81 crore.
NEC: Rs.5.00 crore.
 

Fund Sanctioned

 

From MNRES:

Stage I & Stage-II = Rs.1800 lakh.
From PFCL:
Stage-I & Stage-II = Rs.3000 lakh.
From G.O.A. /NEC
Stage-I & Stage-II = Rs.781 lakh.

 

Present Status:

 

The preliminary project work was started. The acquisition of 25.775 hector of forest land for project was completed. Pre-construction work like construction of Road, Buildings etc has been taken up.

EPC contractor for the project (Stage-I & II) has completed the Preliminary survey. Preliminary Project activities are going on.

The project is scheduled to be commissioned by 2011-12.

 

ii) Myntriang SHEP (2 x 3 + 2 x 1.5 MW):

 

The Myntriang Small Hydro Electric Project is located in Karbi-Anglong District of Assam. It envisages utilization of 432 sq. Km. of catchments area of Myntriang River in two stages.

 

Financial Status:

 

Total Project cost with (IDC) :Rs.78.17 crore.

 

Funding Pattern:

 

MNRES: Rs.15.75 crore.
NABARD: Rs.46.14 crore.
GOA: Rs.6.03 crore.
Matching fund required: Rs.10.25 crore.

 

Present Status:

 

EPC contract awarded to M/s Sarda Eco- Power Ltd. The draft EIA study report has been submitted by M/s National Productivity Council. Preliminary Project activities are going on.

 

The project is scheduled to be commissioned by 2011-12.

 

iii) Dhansiri H.E. Project (5x3x1.33 MW):

 

BTC has expressed willingness through GOA to execute the Project. APGCL has furnished its comment to the GOA. Decision from GOA is awaited.

 

 

New Schemes:

 

Status and Target of New Schemes undertaken by the Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd.

 

(A) Thermal

Sl. No

Name of the Project

Location

Capacity

(in MW)

Estimated Cost (Rs. in Crore)

Target of Completion

Brief Status

1.

Amguri CCGT

Amguri District Sivasagar (Upper Assam

100

700.0

12th Plan

Pre-feasibility Report (PFR) has been prepared in house and forwarded to GOA for necessary approval.

 

Requested MOP & NG, GOI for fresh, allocation of 0.65mm scmd gas, beside this; Govt. of Assam has also been requested to move MOP & NG for early allocation of the required gas.

 

The required gas is expected to be made available by private developer, M/S Canoro, Resources Ltd from nearby Amguri field. M/S Canoro Resources Ltd (CRL) has been requested to submit the detailed terms & conditions for supply of natural gas at least for thirty years including proven reserve of gas certified by the Director General of Hydro Carbon (DGHC). The reply is awaited.

 

Fuel -  Coal

2

Margherita Thermal Power Project

Borgolai District Tinsukia (Upper Assam)

500

3750.0

12th Plan

The Draft Joint Venture (JV) Agreement between NEEPCO & APGCL for 500 MW Thermal Power Project was drawn
up and forwarded to Govt. of Assam towards implementation. Although Govt. of Assam accorded in principle approval for execution of the Project through JV between APGCL & NEEPCO, in the formal approval put an option for JVA with NPTC and APGCL under the same terms and conditions.

 

A team of officials of NTPC along with APGCL officials visited the project site. NTPC proposed for acquisition of about 1000 acres of land so that a 2x250 MW project may be taken up. Government of Assam is being moved for additional land requirement.

 

Ministry of Coal, Government of India is being approached for establishment of Coal Linkage.

 

Land proposed for Margherita Thermal Power Project at SALIKI N.C. covering an area of 1500 bighas (200 Hectare, approximate) surrounded by TIKOK N.C. on west, SINGORI N.C. North and Lekhapani on eastern and southern side is being acquired from Government of Assam.

B) Hydro

1

Karbi Langpi (Upper Stage) HE Project

Karbi Anglong District

60

360.0

12th Plan

The proposed project envisaged for construction of a concrete gravity dam on the river Borapani at Mawrap together with the water conductor system. The proposed installation in the power house is 60 MW (2x30 MW).

 

The DPR has been revised at arr estimated cost Rs.637.00 Crore. The DPR is forwarded to CEA for techno economic clearance. Detail joint survey for land with Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council is being fixed by the MOEF, New Delhi. APGCL appointed consultant for carrying out the Environmental Impact Assessment study for the project.

2.

Lower Kopili HE Project

Karbi Anglong District

150

900.0

12th Plan

The Detailed project report was prepared and submitted to the Central Electricity Authority for Techno Economic clearance. The CEA returned the DPR with observations which are being complied.

 

Meanwhile APGCL has taken possession of 10 Bigha of land allotted by the N.C. Hills district, authority out of the tota 1577 Ha (1386.12 ha fall in N.C. Hills and rest 190.88 ha fall in is in Karbi Anglong district) required for the project. Zirat survey has been conducted in the land which falls under N.C.Hills which is nearly completed. APGCL appointed consultant for carrying out the Environmental  Impact Assessment study for the project. TOR for EIA study is being fixed by the MOEF, New Delhi.

Source: Economic Survey Assam 2010-11

 

 

Implementation of Other Schemes:

 

Development of other SHEP:

 

As per the Govt. of Assam’s Policy for development of SHEP, following projects are also taken up by the APGCL..

 

Reconnaissance Survey & Pre-feasibility report and DPR for Sunani (2MW), Killing SHP (MW), Umat (2MW), Amring (20MW) are going on. Detailed survey and investigation of Basistha (120MW) has been completed.

 

Further, APGCL has undertaken an exercise to augment its capacity to generate power through new SHPs. APGCL has identified 37 nos. different locations in Assam as a first phase. Process has been initiated for engaging reputed consultancy to prepare Economic Studies including preparation of DPR5.

 

Revival of Chandrapur TPS:

 

APGCL has decided to revive Chandrapur TPS (60MW) with new FBC byusing the existing steam turbine in Joint Venture (JV) mode with a potential private develop Accordingly a consortium of M/s Imperial Energy & Construction Pvt. Ltd as a lead partner has been selected through Expression of Interest (EOI) bid along with M/s Intellimine and M/s Imperial Fastners Pvt. Ltd for revival of the TPS in a joint venture with APGCL in Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.

 

Cabinet approval on the Draft MOA/AOA has been accorded. APGCL has taken follow up action for execution of the scheme.

 

 

Externally Aided Project (EAP):

 

Assam Power Sector Development Project:

 

ADB provided 250 m US$ loan (Programme Loan 150 m US$ and Project Loan 100 m US$). Programme Loan of 150 m US$ had been utilised to liquidate liabilities of ASEB. Project Loan of 100m US$ utilised for construction of 220KV/132/KV transmission line,132/33 KV new Sub station, Augmentation and extension of existing Sub station, replacement of breakers, CT/PT, 33 KV Bus capacitors, SCADA, Replacement of meters, Installation of meter testing benches etc. ADB loan disbursement of 100 m US$ completed in June 2009.

 

Assam Power Sector Enhancement Programme:

 

ADB will provide loan of 200 m US$ under MFF Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) to ASEB for strengthening and loss reduction of Transmission and Distribution companies by construction of new lines, new substation, up-gradation of ground wire to OPGW, HVDS, ABC in the period from 2009 to 2014.

 

World Bank Project:

 

For development of Power sector in the State Rs.1871 crore has been invested under World Bank Project. The Project includes improvement of:

 

Transformation Capacity addition : 1320 MVA

Transmission Lines : 830 Ckt KM

 

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