MIDC to get permit to supply power at low rates: Maha minister

Mumbai, Mar 13 () The Maharashtra IndustrialDevelopment Corporation (MIDC) will soon purchase anddistribute power at low tariff rates, state IndustriesMinister Subhash Desai told the Legislative Council on Friday.

Desai made the announcement while replying to acalling attention raised by NCP's Kiran Pawaskar.

"The state-run Maharashtra State ElectricityDistribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) charges around Rs 9-10 perunit, while neighbouring states supply power at Rs 6-7 perunit," Desai said.

To break this pattern, the state plans to procure apower distribution licence for MIDC to keep tariffs on lowerside, he said.

The MSEDCL claims that it has to give power subsidiesto the tune of Rs 10,000 crore to farmers every year, makingelectricity costlier for industries, he said.

"We don't want to affect the growth of industries inthe state in the name of subsidising power tariffs forfarmers," the minister said.

Once the MIDC gets power distribution rights, thestate will be able to purchase power at lower rates andfacilitate industries, he added. NDARU ARU