Power may get dearer in Pune

Puneites may have to shell out more to enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

In an application to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), state-owned power distribution company Mahavitaran, has made a case for collecting additional reliability charges.

Last year, the scheme to free Pune from power cuts was launched with much fanfare.

According to the scheme, a local industry's captive power capacity was to be utilised to mitigate the gap between the demand and supply. However, as captive power plants normally run on costly fuels, the additional cost was to be recovered from consumers consuming over 300 units.

These charges, known as reliability charges, were levied at 23 paisa per unit. However, in September, Mahavitaran moved an application with MERC claiming that the demand for power had increased in the Pune division as well as in the rest of the state.

It stated that to ensure Pune remains free of load shedding, the company had to buy costly fuel from NTPC's Kawas plant and to cover these additional expenses, it needs enhancement in reliability charges.

MERC then asked Mahavitaran to furnish additional details before it decides to hold public hearing.

Though Mahavitaran asked for three extensions, it has failed each time to furnish the details. MERC chairman Pramod Deo had shot off a letter to Mahavitaran asking the latter to submit the details latest by December 31.