New Delhi: India faces a serious risk of blackouts as collections of electricity distribution companies across country have reduced by an unprecedented 80%, barely enough to sustain staff salaries while leaving no scope of payments to power plants that need money to buy coal and freight.
Distribution companies and generators are pinning hopes on Centre’s Rs 90,000 crore liquidity infusion package but might take two to three weeks for approvals and two more weeks for fund-raising and implementation.
Electricity distribution companies have not been able to collect more than 20-25% of bills, which officials said would fall further in the extended lockdown.
