AP: Power cuts likely to continue till May

Power cuts in the state are all set to continue till May, 2013 if one goes by what the distribution companies told the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC). On Saturday, the APERC issued orders permitting power cuts, with same duration as is being imposed now, till March 2013.

The Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL), on behalf of all the four discoms in the state, had submitted a representation to APERC on August 29 to impose restriction on power supply to HT, LT and other consumers.

In its request, it also said that the power deficit will continue till May next year. Though, the APERC said that the power supply restrictions would be reviewed from time to time based on the demand and supply position, if one goes by the statement of the discoms, a relief before May is unlikely.

As of now, the cuts are for three hours in cities and five hours in towns. Transco sources said that to increase the duration, they would have to seek the permission of APERC again. The APERC has also fixed penal charges for overdrawal of power by consumers.

“In view of the shortage scenario and in order to maintain grid discipline and equitable distribution of available power among different consumers, penal charges are approved,” the APERC said in its order.

Accordingly, charges for demand in excess of the permitted demand limit (PDL) will be three times that of the normal tariff. Energy charges for anything over the permitted consumption limit (PCL) during off-peak period shall also be thrice the normal tariff. Charges on anything more than PCL during peak period will be five times the normal tariff. The discoms have been permitted to levy these penal charges based on the MRI readings.

The APERC has also imposed some restrictions on usage while directing the discoms not to levy cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge till these restrictions are removed. The discoms have been asked not to allow drawal of power by welding sets during evening peak hours and disconnecting the supply whenever the condition is violated. The discoms have also been asked to not allow power supply to advertising hoardings.