More fines coming, if load shedding goes on

To ensure that discoms desist from massive load shedding, DERC on Wednesday spelt out a series of measures for them to follow, reports HT Correspondent.

To ensure that discoms desist from massive load shedding, DERC on Wednesday spelt out a series of measures for them to follow.

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The discoms had resorted to massive load shedding of up to 10 hours at a stretch to get over the shortfall this June.

DERC has directed BRPL to maintain uninterrupted power supply and inform the consumers in advance about the anticipated disruption in supply due to reasons beyond its control. Failing this, DERC will impose a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh for every 2 lakh kilowatt units.

The Commission has also ordered all the three discoms to install a terminal of their SCADA system in the premises of DERC within two months, so that the commission can keep a watch over the load shedding.

“This will help us monitor and verify data related to load shedding round the clock,” said AK Tewary, DERC secretary.

Tewary said that DERC had also directed that all agreements for banking arrangements must have a penal clause so that these can be legally enforced and can act as a deterrent against default.

Besides, DERC has also ordered the discoms to strengthen their distribution network to withstand the peak demand.

No load shedding should be carried out on account of transmission constraints of distribution networks, it has said.