Delhi power row: SC to hear BSES plea against NTPC today

The Supreme Court will today hear the plea of Reliance Group-owned power distribution companies BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna in Delhi against NTPC's notice threatening to cut off power supply for not clearing outstanding dues.

The two companies yesterday approached the apex court against NTPC's notice. A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam, listed the case for hearing today.

In its notices, NTPC had said that it will cut power supply if dues are not paid by 10th of this month by them.

The NTPC says while BSES Rajdhani has not maintained a letter of credit of Rs. 271 crore, which is needed to get supply of power from its power stations, BYPL has an outstanding of Rs. 179 crore. If the companies are not able to settle their dues within the stipulated time, it could lead to lengthy power cuts in East and Central Delhi.

The two companies supply electricity to nearly 70 percent areas of Delhi.

Earlier, the Delhi Government had warned the discoms that their licenses could be cancelled if they do not cooperate with the CAG in audit.

Warning of strict action, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier said: "They are saying they don't have funds. Where did all the money go? CAG audit will tell us where the money went. Let us wait for the report."

Kejriwal had accused the BSES discoms of trying to blackmail the state government by threatening to go for power cuts of up to ten hours a day.