Mahadiscom plans to slap fine on power overdrawal

In a bid to tackle the ever-increasing electricity shortfall, Maharashtra Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahadiscom) has proposed to slap penalty charges on customers overdrawing power.

A proposal submitted by Mahadiscom to Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) says If the power consumption of residential customers exceeds more than 70 per cent of his or her average consumption level, then they will have to pay a load management charge (surcharge) of Re 1 per unit.

Industrial and commercial establishments with time of day meter(TOD) consuming 50 per cent electricity more than its average usage will be fined Rs 5 per unit for peak hour and Rs 3 per unit for non peak hours.

For non TOD meter commercial establishments, the recommendation is to slap a surcharge of Rs 3 per unit if their power consumption exceeds more than 50 per cent of their average usage for last three months.

However public utilities including railways, water supply facilities, industries that need uninterrupted power supply and agriculture units are exempted from paying the fine.

The state is currently facing a power shortage of nearly 4,000 to 4,200 mw and as summer approaches, it is expected to touch 5,000 mw.

Proposals submitted by Mahadiscom to the power regulator also include proposals to restrict industrial activity to single or double shifts. Shops may have to face loadshedding after 5.00 pm.

Besides, Mahadiscom has also suggested to restrict and limit power supply to commercial establishments like malls, commercial complexes and multiplexes for two days a week between 5.00 pm and 11.00 pm on rotation basis .

Mahadiscom has also suggested to put out neon signs and illuminated bill boards after five in the evening. It has also recommended the regulator to stop the power supply to agricultural pumps between the peak hours of 6.00 am to 10.00 am and 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm.

MERC has fixed the dates for public hearing on Mahadiscom's proposals during which MERC would hear suggestions and objections filed by the private individuals, industry and trade associations and consumer associations.

The date for public hearing in Mumbai is 23 December, Nagpur 19 December and Aurangabad 19 December.

POWER CUT

Large industrial and commercial customers with TOD meters will have to pay surcharge of Rs 5 per unit for peak hours and Rs 3 per unit for non peak hours if their consumption exceeds by more than 50 per cent of their average consumption

Non TOD meter commercial establishments would have to pay surcharge of Rs 3 per unit if their usage exceeds more than 50 per cent of their average usage.

If residential customers monthly usage exceeds more than 70 per cent of his or her average use then they would be asked to pay Re 1 per unit of surcharge.