New system to raise power tariff from 6 to 11 pm

The proposed mechanism — aimed at encouraging consumers to limit their power consumption in peak hours — is being introduced on a pilot basis.

If implemented,Delhi will be the first state in the country to have such a metering system,which,experts said,would benefit everyone.

Power distribution companies often have to procure additional power from the market at a high cost to meet the demand during peak hours (6 pm to 11 pm).

The proposed system is being introduced to discourage commercial users from consuming more power during peak hours so that load shedding can be minimised in residential areas in summer,when the demand goes up substantially.

The DERC has also decided to recognise National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited laboratories in the city to check accuracy of meters.

A senior Commission official said they will also request the Delhi government to set up a consumer advocacy centre to provide legal help to those aggrieved by private companies

In order to reduce power purchase costs,the DERC has also decided to persuade power companies to install load forecasting equipment to predict demand on their network in the course of a day so that power is not wasted.

The DERC will also follow up with discoms for maximising returns from sale of surplus power to bulk consumers in neighbouring states,the officials said.

The Commission plans to urge the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission to conduct cost audit of central generating stations so that power purchase cost of the distribution companies are kept under control.

Power purchase cost comprises 80 to 90 per cent of the cost of providing power at the retail level.