ERC issues notice to two directors

The UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has issued a notice to two power sector directors asking them to appear in person before it on May 5 to face the proceedings initiated against them for avoiding providing details on source-wise purchase of power.

“The commission directs the director, commercial and the director state load dispatch centre to attend personally the hearing on May 5,” the commission has said in its notice.

The commission has decided to begin penal proceedings against the officials under the section 142 of the Electricity Act after they were found to have repeatedly violating the its directions to explain as to why the corporation was not buying adequate power from the energy exchange despite its being quite cheap.

“The commission feels, the UPPCL is adopting delaying tactics on the this important issue,” says the commission in its notice.

In course of hearing a petition filed by UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad president Avadhesh Kumar Verma, the commission had a few months back directed the UPPCL to provide details on source-wise purchase of power by it. The corporation, however, is avoiding doing it. “The corporation is buying expensive power from private companies while cheaper power is available with the energy exchange,” Verma said alleging a nexus.