New Delhi: Even as the northern region reeled under power crisis, the Union Government asked States not to overdraw power from the grid. A proposal to penalise the States drawing more power than the quota is being sent to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Central Electricity Authority.

After a meeting on Saturday with Chief Secretaries of northern States, Power Secretary R. V. Shahi told newspersons that all States agreed to maintain the grid code.

The situation was slowly improving, though there was a gap between demand and supply. A review meeting would be held by month end with State officials.

Mr. Shahi said that to deter States from overdrawing, it was proposed to hike the present charge of Rs. 5.70 a unit.

Postponing maintenance

Other steps included postponing maintenance of some power plants to meet the May demand. The decision would affect the plants' health, but the situation warranted such an action.

Mr. Shahi said 1600 MW was being received from the Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam in Himachal Pradesh. This had eased the situation considerably. The States, however, should adhere to grid discipline.

Steps taken over the last few months have now begun to show results. The grid frequency was now at an improved 35 Hertz, though it should be maintained at 48.5 to 49 Hertz as prescribed by the regulator.

He felt the situation would improve further with 1600 MW being received from Nathpa Jakhri and another 250 MW of wind energy from Rajasthan, as well as the expected commissioning of the Tehri Hydro Power Project by this month end.

`Use power judiciously'

Mr. Shahi was not in favour of legislation to control use of electricity, but made an appeal for judicious use, especially during peak hours.

Some States had taken action on this front. The Uttar Pradesh Government had directed shops to close by 7 p.m.

The Delhi Government has also directed shops to close by 7.30 p.m. The shortage in the capital was about 450 MW a day. This has now been reduced to 300 MW.

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