Power utility slapped with Rs 2.57-cr fine

Following the complaint,the CERC conducted the hearing and in its August 21 order asked the power utility to deposit Rs 2.57 crore by August 31. Having decided to challenge the CERC order before the appellate tribunal,a senior UPPCL official said the appeal will be filed by August 31.

The UPPCL counsel,pleading the case before the CERC,said being a corporation under the state government the power utility lacked statutory autonomy and was forced to overdraw following the government’s orders. He,however,could not produce any document in support of the claim before the CERC.

UP has a daily quota of 3,800 MW from the Central sector power plants located in the state,but the quota is valid only when there is 100 per cent power generation in NTPC plants at Singrauli,Dadri and Unchaar. With a drop in generation in NTPC units,the state’s quota faces corresponding reduction.

UPPCL sources said the state consistently drew over 4,000 MW from the power grid and on some occasions it touched 5,000 MW.

The CERC order noted that the UPPCL ignored the warnings by the NRLDC and the overdrawing endangered the Northern Grid. “Power deficiency in UP does not justify the overdrawing especially at low frequency conditions,thereby jeopardising the security of the grid and consequent damage to all the thermal power stations connected with the Northern Grid,” the CERC order said.