Pay Rs 1,800 cr dues, power regulator to Cong leader’s firm

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission has asked Mula Pravara Electric Cooperative Society – promoted by a senior Congress leader — to pay state-owned Mahavitaran outstanding dues of Rs 1,800 crore, reports HT Correspondent.

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has asked Mula Pravara Electric Cooperative Society (MPECS) – promoted by a senior Congress leader — to pay state-owned Mahavitaran (MSEDC) outstanding dues of Rs 1,800 crore.

HT Image

MPECS, a distribution licensee for Shrirampur tehsil in Ahmednagar district is promoted by Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil.

Mahavitaran had filed a plea with MERC saying: MPECS buys 160-175 MW of power, worth Rs 15 to 20 crore, from the state utility but refuses pay at MERC-approved rates. MERC, in its 2004 order, had recommended that the society's assets be transferred to the state company in lieu of dues.

MERC admitted Mahavitaran’s plea on Tuesday asking MPECS to pay its dues and also arrange to buy power from sources other than state company. A year ago, Mahavitaran issued a disconnection notice to the cooperative, but the order was stayed allegedly because of the firm’s political linkages.

On Tuesday, MERC asked the cooperative to explain the default, pay up and find out other sources of power. It told the government to file its reply in an affidavit. The next hearing is slated on January 28.