Distribution losses, cause of worry for Maha power regulator

Power distribution losses and the mounting arrears of consumers in Maharashtra have become the main concern for the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).

VP Raja, Chairman, MERC, said MERC has strongly emphasized on installation of meters for all supply in the state. "The commission remains worried about the distribution losses in Maharashtra though it has been assured time and again that these losses are being brought down through constant endeavor. 100% metering of all distribution transformers and feeders is a milestone, which should be achieved on a time bound priority basis to be able to bring the situation under control," Raja told Economic Times.  

Raja further expressed his concern about the mounting arrears from a large number of electricity consumers. "Another worrying factor is the mounting arrears from a large number of electricity consumers. The commission feels that, drastic measures need to be taken to improve the conditions," he added.

MERC has taken the initiative to identify measures for the problem of distribution losses and strengthening the transmission network in Mumbai and Maharashtra in view of the increasing inflow and the projected outflow of power in the coming years.

The commission has constituted a group of experts, for preparing a 5-year business plan with a 15-year perspective for Mumbai and Maharashtra, has done considerable work in this regard.