Heavy fine for overdrawing power
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The AP Electricity Regulatory Commission has announced an official load relief pattern for various categories of consumers for the period between September 12, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Moreover, industries have been allowed to draw up to 60 per cent of their consumption, and they will be penalised for overdrawing at three times the tariff.
Also, during the peak hours, the HT and HT-based furnace industries are allowed 10 and 30 per cent of consumption, while the LT consumers are allowed no power during peak hours. The order was issued by the APERC after considering a representation made last week by the four AP discoms seeking permission for load restrictions.
In the order, the APERC said, “Considering the recent grid disturbances in the Northern, Eastern and North-Eastern region on July 31, the commission is of the view that it is essential to permit the restriction on usage of power by consumers in order to protect the grid from such failures and maintain discipline among various consumers. Also the LT consumers, as considered in the order, will not cover the entire small scale industries.”
The energy deficit predictions shown for the month of September in the representation is around 38MU per day, but the current deficit is already exceeding the estimate being at 59MU on Saturday. The load relief permission was sought by the discoms after protests from industrial organistions saying that two to three days of power holidays are leading to labour-related issues.
However, industry associations say that the order will bring no relief to the sector.
“The penalty clause that has been introduced will be heavy on the sector from the revenue point of view. Earlier, we could draw 100 per cent of the power during the normal days and no power on the power holidays when the labour would be sitting idle. Now, even with 60 per cent of supply, any industry can operate on 50 per cent of its capacity only. The labour will still not be fully utilised,” said Power Committee chairman of Fapcci V. Anil Reddy.
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