ERC Wilts Under Pressure; Says Only Centre Can Resolve PPA Controversy

After repeated directions by the load dispatch centres, the APERCs and the Central ERC to AP to maintain status quo regarding the power PPAs fell on deaf ears, the whole PPA cancellation gameplan by AP is heading towards a political settlement at the Centre. The ERC said this in as many words when it asked Centre to take the final call as it’s own authority has been questioned by AP with it’s continued defiance. With the Centre visibly inclining towards AP, due to the political alliances, Telangana is already seeing red. 

The ERC’s decision not to involve itself in the power struggle came as surprise as the commission was asked to be the regulator for both the states till a separate ERC for Telangana is formed. It is seen to be wilting under pressure from the powers-that-be in Delhi.

Telangana Govt has complained about endless non-compliances from AP towards the power allocation decided in the AP Re-Org Act. “APGenco is withholding information about the hydel power generation from its power stations. We have already filed a complaint about this,” Telangana energy wing, principal secretary, Suresh Chanda told TOI. AP refused to share power details generated at Sileru hydel projects and has been using the whole power generated instead of sharing with Telangana as per the 53.89% Vs 46.11% allocation made in AP ReOrg Act. In fact the Godavari River Management Board (GRMB) convened a meeting today to discuss that issue. ERC’s latest stance is a disappointment to Telangana and is seen as a result of the pressure from Andhra lobby.

Meanwhile, the power ministry has convened a high level meeting on July 14 in New Delhi to sort out the differences between Telangana and AP with regard to electricity sharing. Principal secretaries of two states along with top officials of Central Electricity Authority are scheduled to attend this meeting.