Regulator clears decks for UPPCL to get 340 MW hydro power immediately

LUCKNOW: The UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) on Monday cleared the decks for the supply of 340 MW hydro power, relatively a cheaper source, to the state by expeditiously deciding a pending petition in this regard. The UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) is expected to start receiving the power from Monday night.

The development is being hailed as a big relief to the UPPCL that is forced these days to buy expensive power from the energy exchange to meet the demand-supply gap caused by the coal shortage in thermal plants in the state.

Pronouncing the order, the two-member headed by UPERC chairman RP Singh directed the Teesta Urja Ltd, the respondent, to immediately commence the contracted power supply to the UPPCL, the petitioner, in view of the shortage of power.

The issue had been pending before the commission for quite some time after the UPPCL filed a petition seeking approval of the supplementary power purchase agreement dated October 8, 2021, regarding certain amendments to the hydro power purchase agreement of May 17, 2021. The commission gave its order after the Teesta Urja Ltd agreed to the supplementary power purchase agreement. As per the agreement, the UPPCL will purchase contracted hydro power for 25 years at the rate of Rs 5.57 per unit.

Welcoming the commission’s order, UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma said availability of 340 MW hydro power at a cheaper rate would help consumers get rid of load shedding to a great extent and will also make it possible for the UPPCL to cut on the purchase of costly power.

THE DEVELOPMENT WAS BEING HAILED AS A BIG RELIEF TO THE UPPCL THAT WAS FORCED THESE DAYS TO BUY EXPENSIVE POWER FROM THE ENERGY EXCHANGE