CERC streamlines transmission tariff and losses

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) today said it has outlined measures for rationalisation of transmission tariff and apportioning transmission losses.

The paper brought by CERC proposes new methodology for sharing of charges for inter-state transmission system to be built in the future and provides a road map for gradual transition from the existing concept of pooling of regional transmission charges to a National Transmission Tariff framework, in line with the mandate of the National Electricity Policy.

It has been proposed that the charges for Associated Transmission Systems (ATS) for the new inter-state generating stations would be shared by the concerned beneficiaries taking into account the quantum of power (MW) as well as the distance involved (KM) for each beneficiary.

The concept of sharing of transmission charges on 'MW-kilometers' basis rather than 'MW' alone would significantly help in resolving issues which have been delaying the finalisation of transmission systems associated with inter-state generating stations in the pipeline.

This would be particularly helpful in finalising transmission schemes associated with the Ultra Mega Power Projects and Hydro Power Projects located in the North-East, whose beneficiaries are located across different regions of the country at vastly different distances from the source of generation. This would also help to rationalise transmission charges for load centre generating stations.

However, the existing concept of pooling the transmission charges at the regional level and their sharing in the ratio of quantum of power (MW) allocation would not be abandoned for the existing transmission schemes built over the last 30 years.

It would not be desirable to complicate the matter by introducing major changes in a system which has been working satisfactorily for many years.

However, the charges for the inter-connecting transformer (ICT) and downstream transmission systems would be segregated and taken out of the regional transmission pool. The charges for such segregated downstream assets, which are meant to feed power into the network of individual beneficiary, would be solely borne by the concerned beneficiary.

The paper has carried out detailed analysis based on usage pattern of the existing inter regional links and proposed significant changes and rationalisation in the sharing of their charges based on the principle that the charges an inter regional link should be allocated to its actual beneficiary in the present context rather than the historical concept of apportioning them between the two adjoining regions on 50:50 basis.

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