WB power projects in limbo

The cash strapped West Bengal Government's inability to fund power projects may affect takeoff and completion of various sanctioned power projects in the state. The state power utility is facing shortage of funds as it is unable to seek pending tariff revisions one necessitated by the rise in coal prices since April 1 and another because of the annual revision as stipulated by the provisions of the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (WBERC). The state government owes Rs 2,500 crore subsidy annually to the power utilities. But not a single rupee has been released by the finance department as subsidy.Contact: West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission.Tel: 033-2359 2189. Fax: 033-2359 3397.Website: www.wberc.net