Kerala reforms power sector

TRIVANDRUM, 9 October — The southern state of Kerala, which has been attracting substantial investments in health care, higher education and hospitality industry after it initiated structural reforms, has now decided to allow private investments in hydropower projects and conditional entry of private players in mining along the southwestern coast. The Congress-led government hopes to add 1,944 units of power with the private participation to the existing capacity of hydroelectric power stations. There are potential for at least 150 mini hydropower projects in the state. “We decided to liberalize guidelines for power plants with a view to encourage the private sector,” Chief Minister A.K. Antony told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.