Guidelines issued for regulation of power

Patna, May 31 (UNI) Advocating for adopting a transparent equitable, and rational loadshedding policy, Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has asked Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) to regulate power supply in view of inadequate availability of power for distributioon.

BERC Chairman Justice (Retired) B N P Singh told UNI here today that the directions included introduction of load regulation measures requiring all residential, commercial and industrial consumers consuming more than 300 units per month to reduce their monthly consumption to a level of 80 per cent of the consumption in the preceding month of the current year.

The BERC, in conformity with the guidelines issued by the Centre in the National Electricity Policy and on the basis of some inputs provided by BSEB, had issued directions in exercise of power conferred upon it under section 23 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

BSEB might consider awarding penalties to those consumers, who were found defiant to the directive in respect of reducing consumption to the desired level, BERC letter maintained. The other direction was that the licensee should ban neon signs, illumination of hoardings, illuminated lighting for outdoor functions and public meetings, temporary connection for such lighting purposes, use of flood lights from six PM to ten PM.

Justice Singh said the essential services should reduce their monthly consmption but the desired reduction in consumption should be applicable for their attached residential colonies only.

Hospitals and water supply works should have dedicated feeders for uninterrupted power supply.

The BERC directed the BSEB to reduce loss of power during distribution. Massive raids should be conducted to curb pilferage and theft of electricity and also a third pary metering testing arrangements should be introduced so that scope for consumer complaints were minimised and complaints that arose were settled expeditiously to the satisfaction of consumers, Justice Singh added.

The BERC directed for simplification of procedures for new electricity connections, wiping out pending cases for strengthening the transmission and distribution system and quick response for provision and replacement of transformers.

Justice Singh said measures should be taken for energy conservation and demand side management. He said the BERC would monitor all these issues periodically to assess the impact of these measures on the revenue of the BSEB and to have desired results.

UNI/DH-BNG SJC RN1749