DERC begins power tariff revision process

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has started the annual exercise of revising power tariffs.

The power regulator has invited suggestions and objections on the petitions filed by distribution companies from the public and other stakeholders. “We have begun the process of analysing the expenses and revenue requirement stated by power utilities including the discoms. People can send in their comments or suggestions by June 27,” a DERC official said.

According to the petitions of discoms made public by the power regulator, all three utilities – BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) – together have quoted an aggregate revenue requirement (ARR) of ₹21,624 crore.

The BRPL has given an ARR of ₹9,052 crore, TPDDL has demanded ₹7,680 crore and BYPL ₹4,892 crore.

The discoms, however, alleged the power regulator has used their petitions from 2016 to determine tariffs this year.

“As per the new multi-year tariff regulations, the DERC is yet to finalise the ‘Business Plan Regulations’ without which discoms cannot submit the petitions for this year. But the regulator has gone ahead with the tariff revision process for 2017-18 on the basis of financial figures reported in ARR petitions filed in April 2016,” discom officials said.

Sources said that an increase in tariff this year too is unlikely as the commission is functioning with just one member. The position of chairperson and a member have been lying vacant in the DERC for nearly a year.