BSES-NTPC impasse ends; no power cuts expected

Delhiites can heave a sigh of relief as there would be no power disruption from Monday, following assurances by the power distribution company to clear its dues related to power purchase.

Delhiites can heave a sigh of relief as there would be no power disruption from Monday, following assurances by the power distribution company to clear its dues related to power purchase.

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National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) had slapped notices on two discoms — BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna — warning them that power supply could be stopped by September 6 if the two entities failed to clear their combined dues of over R900crore.

"The current dues of NTPC would be cleared by Monday, September 5. This will ensure no power disruption for our 28lakh customers," a BSES spokesperson said in a statement here on Sunday.

On Monday, the company would settle the current outstanding bill by paying R58crore. It has agreed to pay R412crore by September-end for power purchased in August. The rest are arrears of R400crore plus, for which the company has asked NTPC to allow payment in installments and the latter has agreed.

The two companies account for over 70% of electric supply in Delhi using about 2,051 MW of power from NTPC.

Sources said, "BSES received a bill — related to earlier arrears — of overR450crore from NTPC last month. Since BSES is in a difficult financial condition, it asked NTPC to allow it to pay the amount in installments."