MERC to strengthen transmission network

Expressing concern over power distribution losses, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) chairman VP Raja anounced the setting up of a group of experts who will zero in on steps to strengthen the transmission network in the city as well as across the state to meet the projected power demand in the coming years.

Raja said the main assignment entrusted to the group was preparing a five-year business plan and a 15-year perspective plan for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Maharashtra.

In his foreword to the Merc’s annual report for 2011-12, which was submitted to the state legislature during the recent budget session, Raja has advocated installation of meters for
all kinds of power supplies, even as he cautioned
against the mounting arrears due to non-payment by a large number of consumers.

Stating that the commission feels that drastic measures need to be taken to improve the conditions, Raja said, “As regulator for the largest power consuming state in India, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission  has tried to stay abreast of the momentous developments in the electricity sector and chart a path that strictly adheres to the Electricity Act, 2003 for the healthy growth of the sector.”