- The Roving Teams constituted by the CEA comprising engineers from CEA, SEBs/Power Utilities, BHEL, ILK and Keltron visited various thermal power stations in the year 1984-85 and assisted SEBs in identifying areas of attention and formulation of R&M Schemes.
- As most of the States were not in a position to arrange adequate funds for R&M works, the CEA formulated a proposal called PHASE-I R&M Programme as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for R&M of thermal power stations in the country. Accordingly, the Government of India approved the scheme and sanctioned a Central Loan Assistance (CLA) of Rs.500 crores to provide financial assistance to the SEBs for implementing the core R&M works/activities which could result in direct benefits in terms of generation. The funds for other activities were to be arranged by the States from their own resources. The R&M works relating to environmental improvement in the power plants were also accorded high priority and about 47% of the total investment was made on environmental pollution control measures. The 34 nos. of thermal power stations in various States were covered under the PHASE-I R&M programme.
- The implementation of the entire programme was coordinated by the CEA. The CEA took upon itself the responsibility of disbursement of funds and ensured that the funds were not diverted for other purposes. The next installment of funds were released on receipt of utilisation certificates from SEBs and funds to BHEL were directly released by CEA. Till the formation of Power Finance Corporation (PFC) in April 1988, funds were managed by CEA. The Programme was successfully completed during the 7th Plan and much more benefits than anticipated were achieved
- As advised by CEA, a Task Force headed by an officer of the rank of Member (Technical) was constituted in each SEB/Utility and a representative from CEA was also its member. The Task Fore had the power to take decisions and finalise orders/contracts for R&M works. This helped a lot in expediting the decisions and timely implementation of the R&M works. SEBs were also advised to set up separate R&M Cell at each power station and at Headquarters to deal with R&M works
The main features of the programme:
(i) Number of thermal power stations covered 34 (ii) Number of thermal units covered 163 (iii) Total capacity involved 13570 MW (iv) Average PLF of 163 units before R and M programme 46% (v) Anticipated PLF after completion 53% (vi) PLF achieved after completion 56% (vii) Anticipated additional generation after completion of R and M programme 7000 MU/annum (viii) Actual additional generation achieved after completion of R and M Programme 10000 MU/annum (ix) Year of completion 1990-91 (x) Total expenditure incurred Rs.1066 Crores x.a) Central Loan Assistance Rs.402 Crores x.b) State Plan resources Rs.664 Crores (xi) Expenditure incurred on environmental activities 47% The details of units covered are given in Annexure-I.
