Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

EB moves panel on open access scheme

T. Ramakrishnan

Under the scheme, a consumer can buy power from a producer other than TNEB

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board has moved the Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) for fixation of tariff under the open access scheme that, in principle, allows third-party sale of power, a long-standing demand of industry.

Under the scheme, a consumer can buy power from a producer other than the TNEB. The TNERC, a couple of months back, issued intra-State open access regulations providing for a phased implementation. Initially, only high-tension consumers will be allowed the facility.

Sources say the TNEB's petition before the Commission has sought determination of transmission/wheeling charges and surcharge to be paid by those who want to avail of open access. A host of charges has to be paid by consumers.

As part of the scrutiny process, the Commission will publicise the features of the petition, seek comments from interested parties and hold a public hearing. After this it will decide the tariff structure. The process may take a few months, the sources say.

Once the tariff is announced, high-tension consumers can approach the State Transmission Utility (STU) or State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) for permission. Presently, the TNEB performs the functions of both STU and SLDC.

While determining the tariff, the State Commission will be guided by the principles and methodologies specified by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission for generating companies and transmission licensees. It will also have to keep in mind factors that encourage competition, efficiency and economical use of resources. It will also have to safeguard the interests of consumers and, at the same time, allow for recovery of cost of electricity in a reasonable manner.

Power experts say once the open access scheme is in place, those organisations having captive generating plants may like to sell power to others if they have a surplus. The existing private power producers will not come under the scheme as they have a commitment to sell power to the TNEB.

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