CHENNAI: The Government will soon float tenders to identify those interested in setting up power generation units, said Arcot N. Veerasamy, Minister for Electricity and Rural Industries, on Sunday. "The Government has already instructed the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board to prepare forms. Those interested will be able to collect them in a month," the Minister told The Hindu .

The Government, through the TNEB, would negotiate with promoters to maintain the cost per unit at Rs.2.50. Those who quote the rate would be recommended to the Power Trading Corporation. "Once the parties sign the power purchase agreement with the Corporation, the promoters will start work," he said.

According to the Minister, the effort was being made to help meet the demand of 65,000 MW power in the country in the 11th Plan period. Compared to other Southern States, Tamil Nadu, with surplus power, was in a position to attract investors. "It will create more employment opportunities. The State will also get five per cent wheeling charges from the promoters who set up units here."

Fixing of meters

The Government, on the other hand, would go ahead with fixing meters on all 1.6-lakh transformers to check transmission loss and power theft. "We will also set up 60 sub-stations every year so that in all, the State will have another 300 in the next five years. Sub-stations will come up in areas that have deficient power supply," he added.

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