To generate revenue, PSEB permits industry operations during peak-load hours
Raakhi Jagga Indian Express
Monday , Apr 12, 2010
ludhiana:

On average, the board is allowing 1,000 MW load per day to industry during restriction hours on payment of Rs 2 extra per unit

While domestic consumers are facing long power cuts, peak-load restrictions for large-scale units are once again back from 12 hours to three hours. These orders were issued around a month ago. Despite the restrictions imposed for three hours, the board is making Rs 175 crore per annum by granting permission to industrial units to operate during these hours.

On average, the PSEB is allowing 1,000 MW load per day to operate during restriction hours on the payment of an extra amount.

The idea behind these restrictions was that when the load was maximum in the entire state, restriction needed to be imposed on a sector for a few hours and the smart meters fitted in industrial units will gauge whether the unit flouted the norms or not and accordingly heavy penalty would be imposed on the unit. But once the board grants permission to operate the units, the load again adds up.

As per the data available, industrialists have to pay Rs two per unit extra if they have to run their full load in peak load restriction hours if the load of the unit is more than 1,000 KW and if it is less, the payment is on the basis of Rs 120 per KW monthly charges.

In 2006, a scheme was floated when large-scale units were asked to deposit lumpsum amount so as to get round-the-clock peak load hour permissions. A few had availed themselves of the benefit of the scheme while the remaining are still awaiting the new scheme to become functional.