The Hindu Business Line : MERC spikes plan to restrict supply to agri customers

THE Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has stopped the State electricity board from implementing a Rs 500-crore plan to restrict power supply to agricultural consumers through a single phase scheme.

The regulator has also asked the board to submit a proposal outlining the principles that should be adopted for equitable distribution of load shedding in the State.

Rural Maharashtra faces four to five hours of power cuts every day because of the large demand-supply gap in power generation and consumption.

In its order, the regulator has said it did not approve the single phase scheme for agriculture consumers as it will be costly and is intended to restrict supply to certain consumers rather than generally increase supply of power and improve its quality.

In case the State Government wishes to support the single phase scheme as a matter of policy, it may provide additional funding so that the burden is not passed on to the consumers through tariff.

In situation of power shortage the manner in which available power should be distributed between various areas and consumers and the principles on which load shedding is undertaken should be fair, equitable and transparent, it said.

It said MSEB should submit a detailed proposal for undertaking separation of feeders coupled with high voltage distribution system (HVDS).

This is a more suitable measure and is important for better energy accounting and management of the distribution system.

Meanwhile, additional power can be obtained from surplus capacity of captive power plants and wind energy projects if the commission's orders laying down the dispensation for them are properly implemented by MSEB.

The regulator said MSEB should take an initiative in promoting adoption of energy efficiency and conservation measures along with consumers, which would give quick results and reduce electricity demand on a permanent basis.

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