The Tamil Nadu Government has resolved to approach the Supreme Court to seek its intervention to ensure the Central Government provides adequate power to the State.
A decision to this effect was taken today at the meeting of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet when it discussed the power situation in the State, according to an official press release.
The electricity utility Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation has signed agreements to procure over 1,100 MW power from out of the State to compensate for the prevailing power shortage.
The Delhi Government has surrendered over 1,721 MW power that is surplus between November 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013.
Power Grid Corporation of India, the central utility in charge of transmission infrastructure, and the Central Government have the duty and responsibility to transmit the surplus power to Tamil Nadu.
The State Government has decided to approach the Supreme Court to petition it to order the Centre to protect the State Government’s right.
The release said Tamil Nadu is facing a 4,000 MW power shortage with the demand at about 12,000 MW against the available 8,000 MW. The State-run utility has taken steps to buy 1,100 MW of power from outside the State. But PowerGrid has not taken adequate steps to transmit the power through its infrastructure.
Also, following the Delhi Government surrendering surplus power, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had written to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to consider allocating the surplus power to the State.
On October 24, the Union Minister of State for Power, K.C. Venugopal, had told media persons the State’s request would be considered. But the next day he had said it would not be possible due to constraints in the transmission corridor.
Article 301 of the Constitution of India provides for uninterrupted trade, commerce and interaction across the country. Article 131 of the Constitution provides for the State Governments to approach the Supreme Court to resolve disputes with the Centre. The State Government will approach the Apex Court to assert its rights, the release said.