Steps should be taken for getting 800 megawatt of electricity from the Vallur and Neyveli thermal power projects by March 2011, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Tuesday instructed officials of the government. Besides, efforts should be made to secure 2,500 MW from the North Chennai, Mettur and Vallur-II thermal and hydro projects during 2011-2012.
The Chief Minister reviewed the status of power projects and the availability of power, with Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami and the officials including Chief Secretary S. Malathi.
As for the provision of energy-efficient pumpsets free of cost to farmers, Mr. Karunanidhi advised the authorities to clarify to agriculturists that there would be no change in the scheme of free power for farmers.
The installation of meters was meant to ascertain the amount of electricity to be saved. He wanted the officials to see to it that quality pumpsets were provided and this scheme should be implemented expeditiously.
The project of replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, now implemented in Cuddalore district, should be extended to other districts, the release added.
