Initially, it proposes to renovate and modernise Ukai and Dhuvaran units of 260 and 250 MW. At least 80 per cent of the GEB power stations are coal-based, mostly 20-25 years old.

The GEB is prompted to contemplate the measures following a high-level team Minister of State for Energy Kaushik Patel had led to Germany, France, Sweden and Switzerland to study the functioning of power sector there. GEB member secretary (administration) S K Nanda, engineer H L Shah and GIPCL managing director J N Singh were in the team.

On his return, Patel told news persons today that the technology at certain power plants in Mannhein, Hiedelberg and Baden in Germany and Switzerland could convince the team that this technology could reduce the T & D losses considerably if adopted by the GEB at the thermal units.

The transmission loss could be reduced by upgrading high voltage cables and accessories and going for more modernised prefabricated and premoulded goods at the GEB plants, Patel said, adding it was proved from the European experience that bifurcation of feeders, if introduced by the GEB, would help reduce the load on transformers and ensure equal voltage distribution in the rural and urban areas.

To check thefts from the overhead lines, foreign experts told the team that special double insulated cables could check any tampering with the line without direct involvement of GEB staff.