Punjab to cut transmission losses to 16 per cent

The state power utility had projected T&D losses at 16.44 per cent in 2013-14 compared to 16.63 per cent in 2012-13

The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) has given an ambitious target to the state power utility to reduce the transmission and distribution (T&D) losses to 16 per cent for financial year 2014-15, compared to 17 per cent in 2013-14.

The state power utility had projected T&D losses at 16.44 per cent in 2013-14 compared to 16.63 per cent in 2012-13. It is taking steps to reduce the distribution losses through various loss reduction and network planning initiatives.

It has submitted that driven by the targets and directives given by the commission, it is making concerted efforts to reduce and control the losses and its operations have been already recognised to be on a par with some of the efficient utilities in the country.

Last year, the commission said reduction in losses should be attempted by Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) on the lines of the South Korean distribution system model, through which South Korea has been able to reduce its losses from 40 per cent to 4 per cent over the last three decades.

However, PSPCL has not indicated in the average revenue requirement (ARR) for 2014-15 that any action taken by it in the matter of reduction in losses is on the lines of South Korean distribution system model, despite the fact that same submissions were made in the ARR for financial year 2013-14.

The commission has advised PSPCL again to study the South Korean model and initiate action accordingly.

Further, it has asked that some meaningful audit of T&D losses in areas such as Amritsar Sub-Urban and City circles, Muktsar circle and Ferozepur circle be also carried out and action initiated accordingly for reduction of T & D losses.