Delhi Govt asks power regulator to ensure supply or cancel licences

Our Bureau Updated - February 03, 2014 at 09:11 PM.

The Delhi Government on Monday has asked the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure that electricity supply is not interrupted in the national capital. It has also asked the regulator to cancel the discoms’ licence if they fail to provide electricity to consumers.

 

Puneet K. Goel, Secretary (Power) of Delhi Government wrote to Chairman of DERC saying, “This is a most serious matter.  It is requested that it may definitely be found out from the two discoms (BRPL & BYPL) in the next two or three days as to whether they are going to stop a substantial part of the supply of power to the consumers of Delhi beyond 10th February, 2014.”

 

Goel also said that in case, these discoms continue with their stand, the DERC may not have an alternative but to suspend their licenses immediately.

 

“Extensive blackouts in the capital city of the country due to financial difficulties of these two discoms are not acceptable.   In the event suspension of licences becomes necessary in the near future, suitable officers will have to be appointed as Administrative Officers of BSES Discoms,” Goel said in his letter to DERC Chairman. 

 

BRPL and BYPL are alleging that they do not have adequate funds because of which they have been unable to pay NTPC for purchase of power.  NTPC, which is a major supplier of power to them, is maintaining that it shall not be able to supply power beyond February 10 unless payment for the purchase of power is forthcoming.

 

The Secretary also mentioned that some subsidy amounts are due to the discoms from the Government which shall be cleared by February 15.

 

Siddhartha.s@thehindu.co.in

Published on February 3, 2014 14:24