WCA March 2016

India

Insight

Odisha seeks grid top-up IN a move to resolve the power crisis in Odisha, the Grid Corporation of Odisha (Gridco) has sought permission from Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) to purchase power from private companies. confirmed that the state government is aware of the power situation and is planning to purchase power to safeguard the interests of the consumers. The Grid Corporation of Odisha – India Website : www.gridco.co.in

Gridco director PK Pradhan said: “We have filed a petition with OERC to purchase power from private companies. Though OERC has stipulated a price of Rupees 2.75 per unit, the companies are asking for Rupees 3.20 per unit.” OERC is reluctant to allow Gridco to purchase power at the higher rate as it will ultimately mean higher prices to consumers. “If there is an additional expenditure for Gridco, then it will have to raise the power tariff next year,” said former OERC member K C Badu. Opposition congress and BJP are demanding that the state government subsidises the power purchase because the state has failed to meet its internal demand. State BJP vice-president Prithviraj Harichandan said: “Given the mismanagement and losses in power distribution, it is likely that the state government will increase power tariff, putting additional burden on the consumers.” Meanwhile, the ruling party’s spokesperson, Amar Satpathy,

Back to school with fibre NeST Group is partnering with Amal Jyothi College of Engineering (AJCE), Kanjirapally, to establish a fibre optic training centre at the college campus. The new training centre will provide students with training from Light Brigade Inc, USA, in a wide variety of fibre optics-related topics, combining theory with hands-on field experience. The students will also have the opportunity for industrial placements at NeST Group’s fibre optic manufacturing facility, and to learn from industry experts. It is anticipated that the training will enable students to find suitable placements with leading fibre optic companies, both in India and abroad, where there is a shortage of trained manpower. The classes commenced in January. NeST Group – India Website : www.nesttech.com

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Wire & Cable ASIA – March/April 2016