The cost of ambivalence-a look at the power scene in South Asia

This paper looks at the impact of the acute power shortage in South Asia, state initiatives that are less than firm and decisive and attempts to make some suggestions on the issues involved. The discussion would be of interest to planners in other developing countries as well as independent power producers looking for investment opportunities in the region. Important on the agenda is to reform the state owned and monopolistic power utilities. Reforms and privatisation are being aimed at supply side improvements, transmission and distribution loss reduction, end use efficiency improvement and encouragement to captive power generation by the industry. Some of the issues that stand out as facilitators and impediments are discussed in this paper