MSEDCL to keep an eye on power use in Trans-Thane Creek area

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) is maintaining a strict vigil on the power consumption in the industrial units in the Trans-Thane Creek (TTC) industrial area.

This follows the ruling of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC). MSEDCL's alertness has generated apprehension among the industrialists in the area, as they might not be able to achieve the set target of cut in power consumption.

MSEDCL is to compare the average monthly power consumption in the belt during the January-March period with that of October-December. As per the MERC directives, if the industries of the TTC area fail to reduce their power consumption by 20 per cent, they will face undesirable long holidays of two days.

"The calculation is being done. But nothing can be said before the end of March," said R D Munde, executive engineer, MSEDCL, Navi Mumbai. "If the consumption of power does not meet the set target, the industries will be penalised," he added.

Howerver, Munde did not disclose the details "" whether the penalty will be imposed in terms of power cut or some other forms.

"We have not got any details of the consumption in terms of units so far. Only after March, we can decide what to do," he said.

The units in the belt consume 150 mw of power, on an average. As per the MERC directives, the daily consumption must come down to as low as 120 mw.

Compared to other industrial belts in the state, the TTC is in a much better situation in terms of revenue generation. The transmission and distribution losses in the area have been low "" a major reason why power cuts have not been so severe here.