MSEB REVENUE UP BY Rs. 1063 CRORE, EXPENSES DOWN BY Rs. 200 CRORE

The revenue of Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) in the year 2000-2001 has registered and impressive increase by Rs. 1063 Crore while its administrative expenses have been reduced by about Rs. 200 Crore. In addition the Board also succeeded in improving generation, arresting growth in arrears and limiting load shedding.

The Board's revenues in the year 1999-2000 was Rs. 10,626 Crore. The recovery drive in which power supply of 20,000 defaulters was cut every day and other measures like energy audit in industrial areas, check on misuse of power, use of electronic meters, helped the revenues reach the figure of Rs. 11,689 Crore in the year 2000-2001, going up by Rs. 1063 Crore.

The amount of arrears was Rs. 3016 Crore in March 1999, which was 37% more than previous year. Further it swelled by 52% in March 2000 reaching Rs. 4581 Crore. However in March 2001 it was stablized to Rs. 4595 Crore after taking into account the goverment compensation of Rs. 745 Crore for agriculture and powerloom consumers. Thus growth in arrears was arrested. In last six month Rs. 225 Crore were recovered from the defaulting consumes in residential, commercial and industrial category. The growth rate of arrears from consumers in this category was reversed from 59% to minus 13%.

On generation front, in 2000-2001 the thermal power stations of MSEB achived all time record efficiency by heightening its power availability from 84.6% to 86% and plant load factor(PLF) from 71.77% to 72.78%. Almost all power stations fulfilled the criteria set by the central government for the productive awards.

While increasing the revenue the MSEB also implemented many economy measures in administration. About 13,000 posts were not filled making a saving Rs. 166 Crore. The Board also saved about Rs. 35 Crore because of restrictions on overtime. Thus there was saving of Rs. 200 Crore.

Besides, load shedding in State has also been brought down in last six month. Efforts are on for further improvement.

Mumbai 15th June 2001