States warned for overdrawing power from national grid
Power Ministry has issued a stern advisory to States overdrawing power asking them to discipline themselves and not to jeopardize the National Grid failing which they would face severe action. States have been warned that with the integrated grid any continued and rampant indiscipline may have extremely serious ramifications for the country as a whole
In a meeting convened by Secretary, Ministry of Power, today to discuss the critical condition of the integrated northern/eastern/western and north-eastern grid in the recent past, Anil Razdan said that whenever necessary, the states must resort to suitable and prompt regulations.
He said that priority must be given to drinking water supply, public utility services and essential services if the supply is less than demand. He called upon all States generating utilities including NTPC and NHPC to function at optimum level. Razdan also suggested that states should scout around for any untapped captive power units and get them connected to the Grid and also maximize liquid / gas generation. Observing that consumers cannot be given a raw deal he said that discoms must also take corrective steps to provide better services to consumers and prompt rectification of faults.
Power Secretaries of the State Governments of the northern and the western region as well as heads of central power utilities attended the meeting. It was observed that Uttar Pradesh was on the top of the list of the states overdrawing power from the Grid followed by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and Gujarat in situations when the frequency was low, below 49.0 Hertz.
NRLDC and WRLDC had issued cessation of overdrawal messages in April, 2008. Top five States including Uttar Pradesh 137, Rajasthan 104, Gujarat 78, Punjab 71, Haryana 30. It was observed that had under frequency relays been implemented and respected this situation would not have arose. Several regulatory measures were also taken by NRLDC to restrict overdrawal. All States have to resort to self discipline observe grid safety requirements.
Secretary Power also took a serious view of the fact that some States are not only overdrawing but are even not paying the UI charges. Uttar Pradesh has an arrear of Rs.744 crores, Jammu & Kashmir of Rs. 664 crores, Madhya Pradesh of Rs.298 crores, Dadra & Nagar Haveli of Rs.125 crores and Daman & Diu Rs.46 crores. He asked them to clear the dues immediately as States which have to receive the benefits are paying for the same.
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