OERC to decide extent of power cut

The Orissa government today told the Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) that it may evaluate the situation arising out of power deficit and take appropriate steps for power regulation.

With the water level in all major reservoirs depleting and hydro electricity generation falling down sharply, the state is passing through a critical period on the power front. In this backdrop, OERC has started hearing the opinion of the public on possible power regulation in the state.

In the public hearing conducted by OERC today, various stakeholders urged the government to resort to energy conservation in office buildings where there is rampant misuse of energy. While the power distribution companies stressed on the need of providing support to their employees to enforce power regulation, some suggested that Gridco should be provided financial assistance by the government to purchase power at higher rate.

The public need to be informed about the power regulation at least seven days before so that there is less hostility from their side. Similarly, the power cut should be confined within the stipulated time and there should not be any discrepancy between the rural and urban areas. Vivek Patnaik, chairman CESU impressed upon the Commission to convene regular meeting of the Captive Generating Plants (CGPs) in the state and keep a tab on their supply to the state grid. Besides, the state should sincerely work towards capacity addition in the power sector.

Though section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003 mandates the state government to resort to power regulation, now everyone’s attention is on OERC for timing and the duration of power cut in the state.