CAG audit likely for Capital’s power firms

The Delhi government has agreed to “occasionally” get the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) to audit the accounts, as recommended by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). HT reports. Current affairs

Country’s top auditor is likely to go through the books of the Capital’s power companies — something that Delhi residents have been asking for.

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The Delhi government has agreed to “occasionally” get the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) to audit the accounts, as recommended by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

The Capital’s power regulator has filed an affidavit in the Delhi high court, saying it stands by its last year’s recommendation that called for a CAG audit of the discoms — BSES Yamuna, BSES Rajdhani and North Delhi Power Ltd. DERC, which recently ordered a 22% hike in tariff, had recommended that the audit be done for at least the last three years.

Hindustan Times was first to report that the regulator had called for re-auditing of the discoms’ accounts by CAG.

During the public hearings on tariff petitions filed by the private discoms, consumers, including many residents welfare associations (RWAs), raised doubts of widespread anomalies in the accounts of three private discoms.

“This is a welcome step as CAG audit will bring in more confidence,” said Pankaj Agarwal, general secretary, Delhi RWA Joint Front.

“Just wait for the final report and I'm sure the tariff will come down by 30-40%,” said Rajiv Kakria, a member of GK-I RWA.

The DERC should rollback or withhold the tariff hike till CAG submits the report, said Uttam Nagar MLA Mukesh Sharma.