AGARTALA, May 18 (TIWN): Worried by the huge revenue loss over the past three years, Power Minister Manik Dey today asked the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) authority to improve revenue collection without any further delay.The Minister while chairing a review meeting at Prajna Bhavan here today prescribed some remedial measures timely billing, speed up revenue collection and special drive against hook lines.Due to various reasons, the financial condition of the TSECL has come down such a low level that it could not pay the pending bill amounting to Rs. 26 crore to the NEEPCO.

Besides, the TSECL has been facing tough time as the storm has been smashing power transmission lines in several places. According to latest report, the TSECL suffers a loss of Rs. 2 crore due to damage caused by gusty winds coupled with heavy showers. Around 600 electric posts have been floored while transmission lines have been snapped in 480 spots due to pre-monsoon shower.

And the revenue loss of the TSECL would be increased due to shut down of Palatana power plant as it goes for Project Guarantee Test (PGT). The TSECL has to pay Rs. 60/65 lakh daily to buy additional power from central pool.

When contacted, the Minister admitted TSECL has been making huge loss due to various reasons. “In the review meeting, we take note of the periling trend and suggested some measures to increase revenue generation”, he said.

In the meeting, the status of the ongoing projects was also reviewed and fixed target to implement all the pending projects.

Dey said all the 13 Village Committees would be covered with electricity under the central government sponsored scheme by end of this financial year. Besides, plan for extension of transmission line and improvement of transmission line will have to be expedited to ensure better service.