Public hearing by PSERC

Ludhiana, January 4, 2024: Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission hold a public meeting, today, at Power Colony PSPCL Ludhiana, to listen views/suggestion & objections w.e.f. to PSPCL Petition No.63 and 64 of 2023. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Vishwajit Khanna along with member Paramjit Singh and Secretary J.K. Vaid.

Upkar Singh Ahuja, President Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), said that PSPCL can become a profit making organization by controlling 15-90% losses of 2766 feeders and bring the losses to less than 8% (a standard loss). Effective recovery of all pending dues & default amount from Punjab Govt. & Public Consumers will add to its revenue. Similarly reimbursement of subsidy to Domestic Consumers by Punjab Govt. to PSPCL should be on full tariff and fixed charges rebated at 100% to avoid extra burden on PSPCL ultimately shifted to industrial consumers.

Free Power Supply to AP Category should be metered to assess quantum of energy supplied to stop misuse & extended load other than sanctioned load. Cheaper power purchase should be done from National Grid rather than Pvt. Suppliers. PSPCL should reduce fixed and variable costs/expenses and reduce it as per adjoining states like H.P, J&K and Haryana etc.

PSPCL should install Smart Grids for improving efficiency and create a balance between manpower cost & losses due to manpower availability.

Installing of Big Solar Power Projects should be encouraged by Punjab Govt. & PSPCL in collaborating with industry for generation & supply of cheaper power.
The balance sheets and important data of states leading in supply of cheaper power to industry should be analyzed & followed for implementing best practices relating to man & machines operations.

He further expressed that above suggestions if considered seriously and implemented practically by PSERC/PSPCL, will significantly improve revenue requirements of PSPCL which will ultimately benefit its consumers in terms of reduction of tariff, fixed charges & taxes etc.

Upkar Singh Ahuja requested PSERC that there is no need to allow PSPCL any additional revenue requirements. Rather it should issue guidelines to PSPCL to reduce the revenue requirements, power tariff, cess and surcharges etc. to consumers especially MSME, which is contributing significantly to the revenue of the PSPCL and GDP of the Nation.