MUMBAI, May 9: The Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) has extended the deadline for submission of tenders for seven power projects by a month to June 30. The board will convey this decision to all those who had bought the bid documents. The technical qualification bids will be opened the same day.

The decision is seen as being a fallout of the many queries raised by participants during the pre-bid conference on April 19. They had sought several clarifications and spoke of their many requirements for implementing these projects.

The participants wanted the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to confirm land availability before they bid for the projects. Fuel linkage was another issue that came up for discussion. The bidders also insisted on a guarantee by the board for payment.

According to sources, the board is drafting a detailed note to be circulated to all those who purchased the bid document, clarifying its stand on various issues. Though it may not give the payment guarantee and confine itself to a letter of credit, the board guarantees payment in case of termination of the project.

The state had, early this year, announced the seven short-gestation power plants to be developed through global competitive bid. The liquid-fuel based projects, located in various districts of Maharashtra, range from 100-180 mw and are likely to generate around 1,200 mw.

The projects will have a gestation period of 21-27 months from the time of signing the power purchase agreement (PPA). The agreement will be based on the draft given to the participants and the agreement will be for 15 years. The board has assured offtake of power at 80 per cent plant load factor (PLF).

The initial response to the announcement was enthusiastic with over 250 companies purchasing the bid documents. The final list of interested parties will, however, be known on the closing day of the bids, said sources.

The electricity board has appointed Crisil to evaluate the documents. The tenders are in three volumes. The first will contain details of companies bidding for the projects. Volumes 2 and 3 will offer technical and financial proposals for the project. While developers can choose the fuel and technology, the tariff will be the major criteria for selection.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.