The continued non-payments by Delhi discoms would make it very difficult for NTPC to keep maintaining its reliable supplies in the ensuing peak summer season where the demand of Delhi is supposed peak to at 6600 MW as per estimates, a source said.
The source said that in case overdue payments are not made immediately, the NTPC may be constrained to consider all options, including regulation (snapping) of power supply, in the coming days.
Out of 3930 MW over 2000 MW is allocated to the two BSES Discoms, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) to whom NTPC supplies electricity worth about Rs 300 crore every month.
As per the terms of the PPA between NTPC and these discoms, payments of these energy bills are to be made within the calendar month.
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Subsequently, after discussions with the Discoms and assurance of liquidation of outstanding dues by this fiscal, NTPC had kept this regulation notice in abeyance.
However, the source said that despite a lapse of almost 10 months, there is an outstanding amount of Rs 239 crore overdue for payment from BYPL.
About 70 per cent of NTPC's energy cost is on account of fuel cost, which have already been paid upfront to the fuel suppliers by the company.
"BSES discoms are in regular touch with APCPL to get the regulation lifted, as also making concerted efforts to address the situation and clear pending dues in a just and equitable manner."
The payment of dues to power utilities by BSES discoms is sub judice in the Supreme Court, he said, adding that the judgement in the matter is reserved since February 2015. "We are awaiting the Supreme Court judgement, which will clear the path for recovery/liquidation of regulatory assets."
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