The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) has filed a review petition against Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) order, praying for review and introduction of certain restriction and control measures in view of the power demand supply gap standing at 4000 MW in the state.
The review petition is moved as TNERC in an order dated September 28, 2012, had set aside circular of TANGEDCO, dated February 25 and 29, on introducing additional Restriction and Control (R&C) measures like power holiday and power cuts to manage the power deficit scenario.
TNERC, in the ruling against additional R&C, observed: ?We deem it fit and appropriate to set aside the memos dated 25 and 29 February 2012 as the same have been issued in violation of provisions of Electricity Act, 2003, as well as the the orders of the commission. TANGEDCO is directed to ensure that approval of the commission is obtained beforehand before issue of circulars concerning Restriction and Control measures. There will be no order as to cost”.
Appealing against the order, TANGEDCO stated that R&C measures like power cut of 40% on base demand and energy for all HT industrial and commercial services covered under Tariff I & III and 90% cut on quota demand and energy for HT industrial and commercial services during peak hours were introduced from November 1, 2008, after approval from the commission.
On the basis of the order, on several occasions, depending upon the power position the percentage of power cut was reduced/increased after taking into account the availability of power. However, during February 2012, due to a huge gap between demand and supply, TANGEDCO introduced certain additional R&C measures under two memos dated 25 and 29 February.
Challenging the additional R&C measures, several write petitions were filed before the high court that directed the petitioners to approach TNERC.