SRPC asks power utilities of AP, Telangana to maintain status quo

Stalemate likely to be resolved during N. Chandrababu Naidu’s visit to New Delhi

The Central Government and the officials of the Southern Regional Power Committee (SRPC) have directed the power utilities of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States to maintain status quo on power sharing agreements till further orders from the Central Government as “it is in the interest of both the States”.

The utilities of the two successor States have been asked to maintain restraint as both the States were facing power shortages, which are growing every passing day, while the power situation at the national level too was not so encouraging.

The situation could worsen further if the two States remained adamant on their stand and this was not in the interest of the consumers who were already facing hardships.

Controversy

Officials of the SRPC, an arm of the Central Electricity Authority, convened a meeting of senior officials of the two States at Bangalore on Tuesday as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing stalemate over the AP Power Generation Corporation’s decision to withdraw from the long term Power Purchase Agreements with the Distribution Companies as it threatened to turn into a major controversy. According to sources, senior authorities of the National Load Dispatch Centre too took part in the deliberations through a video conference.

The utilities have been told to abide by the 46.11:53.89 ratio prescribed in the AP Reorganisation Act for distribution of the power generated in the two States. The power utilities have been advised to approach the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission in case of any grievances instead of inconveniencing consumers including the bulk consumers like industry.

The discussions were said to be centred on the APGenco’s move to withdraw from the PPAs it had signed with the four Discoms.

Arguments

The representatives of the two sides reportedly presented their arguments in favour and against the decision.

The SRLDC officials, however, wanted the power utility to wait for the instructions from the Union Power Ministry that was reportedly seized of the matter.

The stalemate, according to sources, was likely to be resolved during the visit of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to New Delhi on June 26 and 27 when he is expected to call on Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal.