State prefers pvt player over MSETCL for HVDC transmission line to fortify power network
   Date :16-May-2022

MSETCL 
 
 
 
Staff Reporter
Maharashtra Government has given nod to M/s Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Ltd to erect a new 320 KV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission from Kudus to Aarey sub-stations within
the Mumbai.
While decision stems from need to strengthen the electricity infrastructure in financial capital of the country, the decision from State authority also has a flip side. In fact, it puts an end to the virtual monopoly of Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL) in transmission area. So far, MSETCL enjoyed unfettered mandate in transmission of power within the State but over the years private players, especially after entry of Adani Group, the State-run company is losing out in competition.
The permission from Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Government is significant as the island city was plagued by frequent instance of power failure owing to tripping of MSETCL network. MSETCL’s high voltage transmission lines are over burdened and old. Similarly, over the year, State too did not invest to upgrade the network even as demand was constantly rising.
M/s Adani would erect the 80 km transmission line and also manage it. State has granted license for period of 25-years, and the purpose is to infuse 1000 Mw of power in Mumbai’s system through HVDC that is seen as more reliable. The reason for new HVDC line is the yearly 5 per cent rise in power demand in the metropolis that is important trade and business center. Adani is already managing the power distribution network in the island city.
In the notification, State cited the recommendation of inquiry committee that went into grid failure that had plagued Mumbai city during last year. For several hours Mumbai city went without power crippling the services that stem need to accelerate deployment of HVDC for a more reliable power supply system. Adani has already been granted permission by Maharashtra Energy Regulatory Commission (MERC) for the HVDC line from Kudus to Aarey.
The State’s move is being closely watched by workers union and Mohan Sharma, he leads the biggest union of powermen, Maharashtra State Electricity Workers Federation (MSEWF), while talking to The Hitavada said "the nod to Adani for laying transmission line is going to have adverse impact on future of the MSETCL. This is nothing but a direct start to privatisation process of electricity infrastructure in State". The implications would soon be reflected in other parts of Maharashtra where one by one in name of strengthening or improvement, big private players would take away creamy urban space. The move has started with transmission and would soon end with handing over distribution network, he feared.
Sharma said State Government virtually forgot the stellar role of MSETCL in laying transmission line in Maharashtra. The company won national award for laying double circuit 400 KV high voltage transmission line from Chandrapur to other parts of State, negotiating the tough Sahyadri terrain. This was in year 1990-91 and before that also, whenever required MSETCL has performed upto expectation.
The union had already voiced their concerns over backdoor process to bring in private players in production, transmission and distribution of power in State.
While Energy Department constantly claims that they would not allow privatisation, but the latest move on transmission front in name of strengthening of power network for Mumbai betrays the tall claims, Sharma said.