AURANGABAD: Of the 25,000 MW of solar power projects undertaken in the state for alternative energy, 17,000 MW could not go ahead due to breaking out of Covid-19 pandemic.

“The projects were expected to be completed by December 2021. But now the deadline for the works will have to be extended,” energy minister Nitin Raut said on Friday.

A decision has been taken in the cabinet that no more thermal power projects will be undertaken in the state. Therefore, the solar project will be given impetus and these projects will be implemented more in Marathwada and Vidarbha, added Raut.

The minister said that to ensure seamless power supply, every consumer should pay power bill. “If unable to pay entire bill, consumers should pay them in instalments. But, there is less likelihood of waiving off the power bills,” he clarified.

He also said that the central government should take a call about waiving off power bills.

Due to changes in management in the last few days, the cost of power generation has been reduced by 25 to 30 paise per unit and the cost of power generation from thermal power plants has been reduced.

Answering to a query, Raut said, “In the districts with more forests like Nandurbar, Gadchiroli, Palghar, electricity has not reached some places yet. This is being done through Rajiv Gandhi electrification scheme.”

Raut said that the state is considering taking some concrete steps for bringing down the losses energy department which has been suffering from natural calamities like cyclones. He said that even the pandemic has had an impact on power companies.

Clearing the state’s stand on the reports about MVA government putting the special concession granted in electricity rates to industries in Marathwada and Vidarbha, Raut said that it has not been withdrawn or stopped.

“The difference amount is due for one month. However, a committee has been formed for examining whether only handful industries are getting the benefit of the concessional power tariff plan. The scheme is for all the industries and we are checking only if some of them are taking advantage of it,” said Raut, who was on an official tour to Aurangabad.