Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, committed to providing affordable electricity, has changed the trend by purchasing power plants. 

For the first time, the Punjab government has acquired a power plant from a private company, marking a significant shift in the state's energy policy. The government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has invested Rs 1,080 crore to purchase the Goindwal Power Plant from GVK Power. This achievement is notable given the Punjab government's commitment to enhancing the efficiency and performance of the state's electricity infrastructure.

The plant has been renamed Sri Guru Amardas Thermal Power Plant in honor of the third Guru Sahib. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann dedicated the Sri Guru Amardas Thermal Plant in Goindwal to the people in February this year, making a new historical milestone.

Before the acquisition, the thermal plant operated at only 34% of its capacity, which was 61%. However, it achieved a Plant Load Factor (PLF) of approximately 89.7% in July 2024, generating 327 million units of electricity and significantly boosting power generation in the state.

Additionally, coal from the Pachwara coal mine allocated to Punjab can now only be used for government power plants. This acquisition allows for the utilization of this coal to provide electricity to all sectors of the state. It is a matter of great pride that, thanks to the pro-people decisions of the Punjab government, 90% of the state's consumers are receiving zero electricity bills.

This purchase represents the lowest cost contract for a power plant by a state government, as similar 600 MW power plants like Korba West, Jhabua Power, and Lanco Amarkantak were bought for Rs 1,804 crore, Rs 1,910 crore, and Rs 1,818 crore, respectively. The Punjab government has acquired a 540 MW power plant at a rate of Rs 2 crore per megawatt, which is the lowest price for a power plant so far, considering previous purchases averaged Rs 3 crore per MW.

This purchase agreement is expected to reduce electricity rates by Rs 1 per unit, potentially saving the state Rs 300 to Rs 350 crore on electricity purchases. This will directly benefit the consumers of Punjab.