The state government is all set to enhance the free power royalty charged from all hydroelectric projects. The current free power royalty is 12 per cent for the first 12 years, 18 per cent for the next 18 years and 30 per cent for the last 10 years. The proposed new slabs are 15 per cent for the first 12 years, 20 per cent for the next 18 years and 30 per cent for the last 10 years for all projects.
“As per the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the hydropower policy is being amended to change the free power royalty slabs. The Chief Minister feels the state’s share should increase once the project is free from liabilities like interest and debt repayment and is earning profit,” said a senior official.
