If the state power utility accepts the proposal submitted by consumer associations to tide over the power crisis, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune areas will get uninterrupted electricity.
If the state power utility accepts the proposal submitted by consumer associations to tide over the power crisis, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune areas will get uninterrupted electricity on three working days.
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) had tied up with consumer organisations and the Tata Power Trading Company Limited (TPTCL) to procure power required by these three areas.
However, while doing this, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Merc) imposed a limit on the amount of power to be procured and the rate at which it can be purchased. This restricted the franchisee as the rate was fixed at Rs8.53 per unit while the prevailing market rate was around Rs9 to Rs10 a unit. Result: Power cuts continued.
The government convened meetings with residents and consumer organisations to devise measures to overcome the crisis. “We are ready to pay higher price but we want uninterrupted supply like the Mumbaikars,” said Prakash Padilkar of Hirava, an NGO working in Mulund.
“The regulator must release the restrictions and allow TPTCL to procure power at whatever price available,” he said.
A survey of power availability and load shedding was carried out for 150 days from June to October where it was found that continuous supply was possible only for 90 days. “A time-table must be chalked out wherein Thane and Navi Mumbai will receive uninterrupted supply for the first three days of the week where there will be power cuts to the extent of the shortage in Pune. Following that, Pune will receive continuous power and Thane and Navi Mumbai will face load shedding,” said Ashok Pendse, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, another NGO.
A senior MSEDCL official said, “Power cuts are inevitable. It is difficult to promise continuous power supply to one region and deprive another. We are considering various alternatives to provide respite to all consumers.”
k_shwetaa@dnaindia.net
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