Delhi Government to fast track shifting of high-tension power lines

To fast track the shifting of high-tension power lines in Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi on Wednesday directed officials to simplify the policies for shifting high-tension lines.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) will issue new guidelines in this regard. The goal is to ensure transparency and timely payments for line shifting by power distribution companies (Discoms), officials said.

“Under this policy, funds will be allocated for plans involving the shifting of 11 kV, 33 kV and 66kV high-tension (HT) lines, as well as 400-volt low-tension (LT) lines, which are to be moved for the safety of the public,” an official said.

For rural areas, farmers, public buildings and unauthorised colonies, the government bears the full cost of shifting.

Currently, power companies only shift high-tension lines after receiving 100 per cent advance payment, which has caused delays, they added.

However, now high-tension lines will be shifted with 30 per cent advance payment. The DERC will soon issue the necessary guidelines for this.

Nine high-tension lines in Burari, Kirari and Bawana constituencies would soon be shifted, another official said.