Power PSUs weigh exit from debt-laden energy-efficiency venture as stress mounts
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. NEW DELHI: Any private takers for a loss-making company owned by public sector power giants that is owed over ₹4,000 crore and has borrowed heavily to fund its investments? The answer will be known when the company’s promoters decide to list its shares. The company is Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint venture owned by state-run NTPC Ltd, Power Finance Corp., Rural Electrification Corp.
and Power Grid Corp. of India, which are considering listing its shares on the stock exchanges, said two people aware of the developments. Listing EESL is part of a plan by the power sector Maharatna companies to exit the PSU that has led India’s energy efficiency programme to reduce carbon emissions and meet the country’s climate change goals.
"The talks are currently in the initial stages for a public listing including an offer for sale from the promoters. Listing is seen as a better option compared to a strategic sale or a private placement of shares," one person said. The development comes when the company has been struggling to collect dues from states under key energy efficiency schemes including the National Street Lighting Programme.
According to an official, its total dues are almost ₹4,000 crore. At the end of FY24, it stood at ₹4,315 crore. EESL noted in its annual report for FY24 that large outstanding dues from various government departments – urban local bodies and power distribution companies – have severely strained its cash flows and hampered growth opportunities by hindering its entry into new business areas.
Read on livemint.com