The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has recommended "demand moderation" to deal with power crisis in the state, which is facing a demand-supply gap of 6,000 Mw. |
"Even if we had the Ratnagiri power plant (at Dabhol) and the other proposed plants up and running, Maharashtra would still have faced a shortage of up to 3,500 Mw of power. Therefore, it is important that we try and utilise what we have in a judicious manner and find ways to moderate demand," MERC Chairman Pramod Deo told Business Standard. |
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The Maharashtra regulator is also looking at replicating the Pune model "" which taps expensive captive power to wipe out the demand-supply gap "" in other urban centres in the state. This would mean that industrial areas would not be deprived of power if they are ready to pay a higher price. |
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"We are thinking of implementing the Pune model in other urban centres like Nagpur, Nasik, Kolhapur, where distribution would be done through a third-party franchisee. The franchisee would buy power from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) at rates higher than usual and ensure reliable power. It would also be responsible for collection activities," said Deo. |
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"Pune has proved to be a great success and we have suggested that Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation initially take up the franchisee in industrial areas," he added. |
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At present, all power is pooled into a common distribution system and power cuts affect both residential areas and industries. With the Pune model, not only essential sectors will have an assured supply of power, but due to the reduction in pressure on total distributable cheaper power, other areas would also suffer less of power cuts, Deo explained. |
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The other suggestion the MERC has made to MSEDCL is the separation of power feeders to distinguish power used exclusively for hardcore agricultural activities and that used for supplying electricity to allied activities like farming and human habitations in agricultural areas. |
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By doing this, power supplied to the field could be regulated and reduced to eight hours a day, and the power that is otherwise wasted when irrigation activities are not on would be used in lighting up adjacent areas. |
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This process is already underway in some parts of the state and a faster roll-out of the plan is needed, Deo said. |
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Asked whether power shortage in Maharashtra could have been avoided altogether and whether the MERC could have done something to avert this situation, Deo said the MERC can only suggest measures and resolve disputes if they were brought to its notice. |
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However, for operational purposes, it is the duty of State Load Despatch Centre and MSEDCL to take care of matters. |
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Encouraging the masses to save energy by giving incentives for implementation of photovoltaic cells in houses for self-generation would also reduce the burden on generators and distributors, Deo said. |
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As a long-term solution to the power crisis, other than banking on power plants in the pipeline, Deo said there was a need for legislative intervention to bring power theft under control in Maharashtra. |
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