"No need for power-cuts if…" Navjot Singh Sidhu tweets solutions for Punjab's crisis
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu joined the refrain of protests over the ongoing electricity crisis in Punjab and insisted that power cuts or regulation of workplace timings aren't essential if “we act in the right direction”. “Truth of power costs, cuts, electricity purchase agreements and the way to give free and 24 hour electricity to the human beings of Punjab:- There is no need for electricity-cuts in Punjab or for the chief minister to alter workplace timings or AC use of the common people ... if we act in the proper direction,” Sidhu tweeted.
Sidhu said that Punjab is paying greater to shop for electricity at an average fee of Rs. 4.54 per unit, when the national average fee is Rs.3.85 per unit because of the preceding Shiromani Akali Dal government signing Power purchase agreements (PPAs) with 3 private thermal plants
“Power buy fees - Punjab is shopping for electricity at a median fee of Rs. 4.54 per unit, national average is Rs. three.85 per unit and Chandigarh is paying Rs. 3.44 in step with unit. Punjab’s over-dependence on 3 private thermal vegetation at Rs. 5-8 per unit makes Punjab pay greater than other states,” tweeted Sidhu.
“Power buy agreements (PPAs) - Badal Govt signed PPAs with 3 private thermal power plants in Punjab. Till 2020, Punjab has already paid 5400 crore because of defective clauses in those agreements and is anticipated to pay 65,000 Crore of Punjab People’s Money just as constant charges,” he added.
Punjab has been witnessing electricity outages imposed by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), lasting up to 6 to 8 hours in rural regions and for up to three hours in all main cities, as it's miles not able to satisfy the growing demand for power amid a paddy sowing season and hovering temperatures due to reduced generation.
Sidhu counseled that the way ahead for Punjab is to herald new regulation in the assembly, to assist cap purchase costs according with the national electricity exchange, insisting it might be a higher opportunity to re-negotiating the PPAs signed by the SAD government, because it affords the state authorities no space for price negotiations.
“Punjab should buy electricity from national grid at much cheaper rates, however those Badal-signed PPAs are appearing against Punjab’s Public Interest. Punjab might not be capable of re-negotiate those PPAs due to them having legal protection from Hon’ble Courts, But there is a way ahead,” the Congress MLA tweeted.
“Punjab Vidhan Sabha can bring in New Legislation with retrospective impact to Cap electricity purchase costs to prices available at the National Power Exchange at any given time. Thus, By amending the Law, these Agreements will become Null & Void, saving People of Punjab’s Money,” he added.
