There is every likelihood that ruling party politicians will accuse MERC of scuttling the plans to make the state load-shedding free conveniently ignoring the gaping holes in MSEDCL's petition.
MSEDCL in its petition has stated that it planned to make urban and semi-urban areas coming under A, B, C and D divisions load-shedding free. Eighty-three out of 139 divisions are eligible. As per MSEDCL, it will need 200 MW round the clock from January to June and another 200 MW from March to June during peak hours to make this possible.
The company has strangely claimed that the average shortfall is only 1,500 MW while the peak shortfall is 1,900 MW. The peak shortfall in late December was around 4,000 MW while the average shortfall was over 2,000 MW. This is bound to increase during summer.
MSEDCL has not stated what will be surcharge for zero load-shedding (ZLS) scheme, whether it will different for divisions coming under A, B, C and D categories or whether the ZLS expenses will be loaded on the aggregate revenue requirement ( ARR).
MERC had rejected a similar petition in May 2010 on several counts. MSEDCL wanted to use the power purchased for the entire state for ZLS schemes. Consumers from rural areas had pointed out that this would increase load-shedding in villages. MERC ruled that MSEDCL would have to buy additional power for ZLS and not use grid power.
Assuming that Dabhol power will be used for ZLS, MSEDCL had calculated the surcharge for A category – 22 paise, B – 37, C – 40 and D – 47. If outside power is used, the surcharge will be higher. MSEDCL has also filed a petition to make villages within 5 km of major power plants power cut free. There are 179 such villages having load of 33 MW. However, industrial and agricultural feeders have been excluded from this scheme.
MERC will also hear petition to continue ZLS in Nagpur, Amravati, Pune, Thane, Aurangabad and Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.
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