MERC Public Hearing on Dec 6th - 11 am

If you don't take action now .. you may end up paying higher electricity bills .. again !!

Just a small reminder that there is a Public Hearing on Dec 6th at the YB Chavan Auditorium (Opp. Mantralaya), Mumbai - at 11 am.

This is to hear public suggestions / comments on MSEDCL's petition to increase electricity tariff in lieu of imposing second "staggering" day.

MSEDCL proposes to purchase "costly power" from Kawas/Kayakulam (at around Rs.8-9 per unit) and from Captive Power plants (at around Rs. 11-12 per unit). It proposes to distribute this expensive power through a FRANCHISEE arrangement, to Industries and other consumers
who will be charged higher tariff.

My response (already filed with MERC) is available here on the bijlee Group site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/files

File Name : BSSIA_Public_Response_60_of_2007.pdf

I wonder how many of you (in this group) are affected by the MSEDCL's proposed hike .. and how many have filed a response.

Just goes to show that we are great at e-mailing - but poor when it comes to taking action !

More such stuff if you join http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/

I can be reached at snohri2004@yahoo.co.in

Incidentally, MERC has allowed the public to send emails (instead of the cumbersome procedure it had earlier) .. something I had taken up in the MYT tariff hearings ...

Moral of the story: When you keep at it .. your chances of success are greater ...

Great article on the Anil Ambani strategy!

Part of REL stake being sold to foreign company ...

One fine day, he may just reduce REL to a loss-making distcom .. and hive off all other profitable parts of the business .. and then collect MORE tariff quoting losses ....

Its a WIN-LOSE situation .. Ambani wins .. and all consumers lose ... just wait and watch ..

The article appears here:
http://www.businessworld.in/content/view/2561/2639/

and goes like this ...

"Anil Ambani is back to doing what he is best at — deals. The Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) chairman is planning to sell a 5 percent stake in his power generating company — Reliance Energy (REL) —to a foreign but hitherto unnamed partner.

Officials close to the negotiations between REL and its future partner say that the deal is nearing closure. The shares may be sold at Rs 1,100 a share, Rs 93 higher than the conversion price of foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) issued in 2004 and Rs 154 higher than the closing price on BSE on 19 September.

Offloading 5 per cent will fetch REL a cool Rs 1,254 crore."

CFLs are toxic ..

Well, I had mentioned this earlier, that in India we have no formal policy for dumping (I think, disposal is the right word..) for CFLs.

While curtailing consumption, we may land ourselves in a more serious problem.

More here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/938

MERC handing out more goodies to Private Discoms

MERC has not been able to satisfactorily handle (and/or regulate) private distributors in Mumbai, and yet it is going on granting distribution rights to others.

Here is the latest move:
"Crompton Greaves bags 3 power distribution divisions in Nagpur

Mumbai, Sept. 18 Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) will give three divisions in the Nagpur circle to Crompton Greaves Ltd for distribution of power.

Earlier in the year, the loss-making Bhiwandi circle was handed over to Torrent Power for similar purpose.

Aurangabad, Ulhasnagar, Kalwa, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Malegaon and Jalgaon circles could also be soon offered to private companies."

More here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/933

Delhi Govt yet to submit ATR

As usual, the Govt is dragging its feet .. and no one seems to care .. here is a news item that begins:

"The Delhi govt is yet to submit the action taken report on the findings of a panel on power privatisation in the city to the assembly and Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna is seized of the matter, Speaker Chaudhary Prem Singh said today.

"We are yet to get the report. We have intimated the Governor's office that we have not received the report so far," Singh said.

Singh was responding to a query from the reporters if he had received the action taken report on the findings of the Public Accounts Committee led by Congress MLA S C Vats, which had recommended probe in the case by the CBI."

More details here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/932

Is this for real ??

BMC has asked REL to light up immersion sites all across Mumbai ...and till recently REL was fighting with MERC to not allow Tata to give 800 MW to BEST as they are short of power !!

The article goes on to say ..."Reliance energy have also said that there will be no shortage of electricity in the city, They have sufficient capacity to meet the need of this festival, There are around 7000 odd pandal that lights up from 6pm to 12mid-night. "

Oh Boy !! Someone please file an RTI application quick - to find out from BMC why did they ask REL, when they have their own BEST who can do this !

Also, if REL has actually made this statement ... find out how can REL conclude that there will not be any power shortage .. have they done any study ?? Let's see a copy of that.

The article appears here:
http://theseaguardianlifeguard.blogspot.com/2007/09/reliance-energy-to-put-flood-light.html

Here we go again ...

Come September .. and it's time for the Power Utilities to start their routine...

The media starts getting flooded with reports of impending doom about the power scenario.

Here is the first of many reports... this one pegs Maharashtra's shortage at 3500 MW.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/915

News from Mysore

The bijlee power struggle is everywhere ... here is what is happened in Mysore.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/907

Consumer Activists protest against Power companies

Here is the full text of a Press Release from CERS:
ELECTRICITY COMPANIES ENDANGERING LIVES OF CONSUMERS

The Ahmedabad based Consumer Education and Research Society has filed a petition before Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission against State owned four Distribution Companies and Chief Electrical Inspector for violation of Electricity Rule-33 of Indian Electricity Rules-1956 which mandates provision of separate earth terminals atthe premises of residential and commercial consumers.

The existing practice of providing earth terminal from solidly grounded neutral at transformer end is out dated and does not fulfill provision of Electricity Rule - 33. These DISCOMS continue to follow old and obsolete 'TT' system of earthing, that too not fully wherein case of earth fault MCB/fuse at consumers' premises remains as show piece and will not cut of power supply of consumer.

The new and safe 'TNCS' or 'TNS' systems of earthing provides better safety to consumers' lives and property against electric shock/fire/voltage related damages. The private Distribution Companies in Gujarat follow this new system of earthing since ages. .pa

During last hearing on 30th August 2007 before Hon'ble Commission the monitoring agency i.e. office of Chief Electrical Inspectorate and four Discoms of Gujarat submitted that the cost of providing separate earth terminals will cost Rs.300/- to each consumer putting a burden of Rs.275 crores on four DISCOMS.

CERS strongly objected to this proposal and representated before GERC that these DISCOMS have already collected the amount while providing new connections to consumers under the head of Service Line Charges but failed to provide separate earth terminals to consumers' premises violating Rule-33. Therefore the consumers are not liable to pay any amount and the cost has to be borne by DISCOMS.

The Hon'ble Commission reprimanded and directed CEI and all DISCOMS to study the system prevailing at Torrent Power and resolve this issue by implementing Rule 33 of IER-1956 and submit Action Taken Report to GERC before 15th October 2007.

CERS was representated by Shri K K Bajaj (Hon Director) and Shri V.J.Vachharajani (Consultant).

Little brother playing "Catch Up"

So now we know why the electricity tariff keeps going up .. little brother seems to be playing "catch-up" - and the distance is quite far !!

With help from us (gullible) electricity consumers, he'll get there soon !!

NEWS: Mukesh Ambani's salary is ten times that of Anil's ...
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=296625&leftnm=1&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

Text is also here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/888

Brothers in Arms ..

It seems I am not the only one screaming out ... here's another ...
http://worldbankout.blogspot.com/2007/08/poor-who-pay-for-price-of-power-reforms.html

Reward scheme to check power theft

Watch out Delhi .. here comes REL/BSES with another one of its great "schemes" ...

How about a "tip-off" scheme for blowing the whistle on REL/BSES also .. maybe some consumers should start that as well :)

More here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/882

PM needs to issue a Press Release to get informatoin from his own Depts !!

Here is the PM waking up from his slumber .. and wanting to know what is happening on the Power Reforms front ..

Looks like they do not have a sensible reporting/feedback system in place .. as the PM has to issue a Press Release to get an update from one of his own departments !!

These guys need help badly .. !!

Full text is here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/message/880

Govt keeps private sector out - Really ?

There was a news item that appeared saying this ...

"The Government said private sector cannot participate in nuclear power generation under the existing Atomic Energy Act but a review is required in view of changing situation.

"Atomic Energy Act, 1962 allows nuclear power generation only by a Central Government company," Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of State in the PMO, told Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

As far as manufacturing of equipment and components is concerned, he said no policy change is required.

In fact, the Government has encouraged and worked with both public and private companies in this regard, the Minister said.

It was only in nuclear power generation that no decision has been taken with regard to private sector's participation, he said.

The existing Act was last repealed in 1962 and since then various developments have taken place in the area, the Minister said.

The review of the Act is under consideration for the past 10 years, he said. An expert committee was set up in 1997 under the chairmanship of scientist Raja Ramana who gave a report in 1998, he said.

Asked about recommendations of the Committee, Chavan said these related to national security and strengthening of the regulatory mechanism in the atomic energy."

Now, if this is the case then what about reports that companies like Reliance Energy, Tata Power, etc. were very keen on setting up Nuclear power projects .. there was a lot of media hype when the US delegation visited India ...

Really ?? .. or were those news items released only to pump up the share prices of those companies .. REL share has almost doubled since June 2007 ....

Open letter to MERC Chairman on Consumer Representatives

I sent this to mercindia@mercindia.org.in on 12.8.2007 with copies (not BCC) to a few media and other concerned persons.

-------------
12.8.2007

To:
Dr. Pramod Deo, Chairman,
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission
13th Floor, Centre No. 1, World Trade Centre
Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Mumbai-400005.

Dear Sir,

Re: RTI reply on MERC's "Consumer Representatives"

1. This is with reference to the four organisations that are referred to as "Consumer Representatives" by MERC, time and again, in Public Hearings of the MERC. These are:
a) Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, Mumbai
b) Prayas, Pune
c) Thane Belapur Industry Association, Navi Mumbai
d) Vidharbha Industries Association, Nagpur

2. As per Section 94(3) of the Electricity Act, 2003, a State commission "may authorise any person, as it deems fit, to represent the interest of the consumers in the proceedings before it."

3. We are all aware that the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998 has been repealed by Section 185 of the EA 2003.

4. Yet, MERC has referred to these four as "Consumer Representative u/s 26 of the ERC Act 1998" in the matter of the Public Hearing on Approval of Long Term Power Purchase Agreement between BEST & TPC-G (Case No. 87 of 2006), held on 17.7.2007 (which I attended, and have in my possession a copy of the attaendance sheet).

5. MERC has admitted (in a reply dated 24.7.2007, to an RTI filed on 19.7.2007 by Shri Kewal Semlani) that "the Commission has not appointed any Consumer Representatives (CRs). They have been authorised to represent the interest of the consumers in the proceeding."

6. MERC's reply also states that since this is an "authorisation" the "terms of appointment, tenure, scope of work, deliverable, remuneration, etc. are not applicable."

7. MERC's reply further states that "all copies of all notices are marked to these authorised consumer representatives and they were attending the hearings where generic issues are involved. No compilation of attendance is maintained."

8. In light of the above, and in public interest, I would like you to answer the following questions:

a) How is MERC ensuring that it is fulfilling the mandate given to it (under the EA 2003) of ensuring that consumers interests are protected, when it has not even formally appointed any "Consumer Representatives" ?

b) Why are there no defined eligibility terms for any such appointment of Consumer Representatives (or people who would protect the interests of the consumers) ? In the absence of any firm eligibility terms and conditions, such "authorisations" seem highly suspect.

c) Does MERC not think that this matter is serious enough ? With electricity tariffs rising more than three-fold (in most cases) over the past two years, consumers are reeling under tariff shock, and the State Commission seems to be taking this lightly. Had it not been for the RTI application, the public would never know the truth.

d) Why are these four (who have been so authorised) not been made to take their role seriously? This is apparent from the fact that they do not have a defined role, scope or work, deliverable list - and moreover, MERC does not even maintain an attendance schedule for them.

e) Why has MERC been referring to a repealed Act ? The ERC Act 1998 was repealed by section 185 of the EA 2003. Does the MERC not know of the sections of the Act governing itself?

9. If this is the level of commitment of the MERC itself, what can be expected of the four organisations. In fact for the last hearing as mentioned above NONE of the four turned up! (I was present and I know it).

10. I look forward to a more formal and systematic approach to the protection of consumers' interests, which includes the following:
a) MERC should cancel the present authorisations with immediate effect.
b) A transparent process of appointment of such Consumer Representatives should be put in place.
c) There should be clearly defined eligibility terms, scope of work, deliverables, etc. Persons / organisations who have business relations with electricity companies cannot be eligible for this role.
d) MERC must keep a close watch on such "appointees" and must ensure that they are fulfiling their roles adequately in protecting consumers' interests.

10. You may or may not choose to respond to these questions and may ignore this mail completely, which will go further in proving that MERC does not take protection of consumer interests seriously, neither does it bother about consumers rights, opinions or feelings.

11. Since we (the general public) are continuously suffering on account of higher tariff, I am alarmed that you as the Regulator have not done enough to ensure that our interests are protected - which is indeed a matter of great shame for the organisation that you head.

I trust you will take the necessary action in this regard and restore the faith of the consumers in your organisation.

Thank you for your patience (in reading this mail).

Warm regards,

Sandeep N. Ohri
98 33 09 7575
snohri2004@yahoo.co.in


PS. Since this is a matter of public interest, I have taken the liberty of marking a copy to some sections of the Media and a few concerned individuals / organisations who I feel may be in a better position, than myself, to take this up this issue further.

MERC hiding the fact that its Chairman was BSES Director !!

MERC is hiding the fact that it's Chairman, Dr. Pramod Deo was once a Director in BSES (now REL).

This is the MERC link: http://www.mercindia.org.in/pdmember.htm

This is REL's Official link:http://www.rel.co.in/investorrelations/pdf/98-99/dirrepo99.pdf

See page No. 6 of this BSES Director's Report, which was signed by RV Shahi, who was the CMD of BSES and then went on to became the Secretary in the Ministry of Power !!

Now do you see the nexus between BSES-REL-MERC-Ministry of Power ??

Just Google "DEO BSES" .. Great Results !!

And you were wondering how come electricity tariff keeps going up .. Ha !

Should MERC interfere with the Agreement between Tata & BEST ?

FACTS:

• Tata generates and supplies all the power that is required by BEST.
• Tata has been doing this for more than 70 years now.
• BEST has no generation of its own.
• BEST is a Local Authority (controlled by the Municipal Corporation).
• The Tata-BEST Agreement expired in 2004, but is valid till another is signed.
• MERC, as the Regulator, forces them to sign a new one.
• They finally sign a new one in Dec 2006 taking into account current demand of 800 MW.
• Tata supplies balance power (after giving to BEST/own consumers) to REL.
• REL is a private operator having its own Power Generation and TRading companies.

Now, MERC asks Tata to divert power to REL, and wants BEST to source power from elsewhere !!

Wouldn't the rates increase for BEST consumers in case BEST does not find any other source at the same rate ?

Why should MERC interfere in such a deal? It is clearly a case of OVER-regulation!

How can MERC give itself more powers than what the Electricity Act 2003 has given it ?

MERC can't do what they should ..
... like protect consumers' interests,
... like get REL to be transparent and separate accounts,
... like disseminate knowledge about the actual power situation in Mumbai (under an RTI reply to me, they admitted that they DO NOT KNOW how is Mumbai's Demand being met !).

Seems to me that MERC wants BEST to increase its rates .. and take a lot of flak .. while REL laughs all the way to the Bank ...

A Public Hearing is scheduled for July 17th on this ... I have made a submission ... watch this space ...

News Links for June 2007

City’s power situation may worsen after monsoon
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Energy/Power/Citys_power_situation_may_worsen_after_monsoon_/articleshow/2110283.cms

Ok.. here we go again ... the monsoon has not even started andthe "doomsday" experts have started their propaganda.

Powerless Karachi Residents Protest
http://www2.dw-world.de/southasia/South_Asia/1.224965.1.html
Our "sister" city in Pakistan is having the same "growing pains" ...

KG basin gas may not yield cheap power, say analysts
http://www.livemint.com/2007/06/10234404/KG-basin-gas-may-not-yield-che.html

Govt may not sell Dabhol's LNG unit
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/Govt_may_not_sell_Dabhols_LNG_unit/articleshow/2110737.cms

Reliance Energy seeks clarification on contingency reserves
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=166842

Going up in gas
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorial/Going_up_in_gas/articleshow/2116212.cms

Resolving Energy Disputes -- There are more efficient processes
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/display_article/294531/34/ARTCL/none/none/Resolving-Energy-Disputes----There-are-more-efficient-processes/
A very good article on how protracted litigation eventually results in the consumer paying for much more ..REL are you listening ?? Eventually we consumers are paying for REL's (expensive) lawyers also ...

Promoting CFL: States switch off incandescent bulbs
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/12/stories/2007061204430100.htm

U.S. leads world in wind power growth: DOE report
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/display_article/294515/22/ARTCL/none/none/US-leads-world-in-wind-power-growth:-DOE-report/?pc=ENL
The US produces 16% of the World's wind power, followed by Germany,India, Spain and China !

New era in electricity industry starts June 18: NERC
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/display_article/294422/22/ARTCL/none/none/New-era-in-electricity-industry-starts-June-18:-NERC/?pc=ENL
Oh, when will that day come .. when utility companies are fined upto Rs. 1 crore per day for failing in reliability standards ...Great article...

Anil Ambani power project gets UP nod
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=50fb9b22-d6b2-4aaf-b9c3-4b5706c7ae6f&&Headline=Anil+Ambani+power+project+gets+UP+nod
So Mayawati has also settled in now .. and its business as usual forthe rest ... :)

RNRL invokes RTI for KG gas details
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/RNRL_invokes_RTI_for_KG_gas_details/articleshow/2124320.cms
Anil Ambani using RTI .. now is his own REL transparent enough ??Naah ...!

Private power transmission plans hang fire
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Energy/Power/Private_power_transmission_plans_hang_fire/articleshow/2124477.cms

Mayawati spells out energy reforms
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1103212
Mayawati jumps on the power bandwagon .. hints at power tariff hike .. . Just as soon as the REL Rosa project got clearance ..coincidence ??? .. Well, somebody has to PAY for all this, right ?? No points for guessing WHO ... it's US, the usual aam aadmi ..

A brand new power tariff policy for Capital
http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/17/stories/2007061705730100.htm
DERC seems more straightforward than MERC .. but let's see how they conduct the public hearings ...

REL forms disaster mgmt teams to tackle power cuts during rains
http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=39727
Let's hope this works ... seems to me they read my blog :)

RNRL falls for the charm of black diamond
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070619/asp/business/story_7943029.asp

Suryachakra Power's 3.4-crore share IPO to open Jun 25
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Suryachakra_Power_IPO_to_open_on_Jun_25/articleshow/2131134.cms
Holdings, cross-holdings, JVs, subsidiaries .. in the maze of Corporate ownership .. will transparency ever be possible ?

REL to procure 450 MW of power for Sept-Oct
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Energy/REL_to_procure_450_MW_of_power_for_Sept-Oct/articleshow/2132785.cms

Contract labourers send consumers on power trip
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1104546
Wi-fi appliances for disaster management .. but who will carry out the work ?? .. The white-collared babus in REL's Air-conditioned offices ???

Maharashtra Government drive to curb theft of electricity
http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/21/stories/2007062150940900.htm
Maharashtra CM's Latur district has 60% Distribution Loss .. !

US Senate's Underwhelming Energy Bill
http://www.citizen.org/pressroom/release.cfm?ID=2461
We are not alone .. its the same all over .. big business-houses muscle their way into Govt and make consumers not only pay for this .. but also suffer the environmental consequences..

India's Sensex Rises; Reliance Energy, NTPC Gain on Court Order
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=a22G3aiXtD0w&refer=india

China building more power plants
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/6769743.stm

Gas pipeline for Dabhol delayed again
http://www.business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=3&subLeft=1&chklogin=N&autono=287469&tab=r

Maha ready to pay Rs 2.87/unit for Ratnagiri power
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=166955

GAIL to complete Dahej-Uran-Dabhol pipeline by month end
http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_g/gail/20070622_complete.htm

VAT relief for Dabhol
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=288792&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

Dabhol output may go up to 5,000 Mw
http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/jun/22dpc.htm
Fairly comprehensive take on the Dabhol situation ....

TNEB lines up 2,500 MW projects
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/27/stories/2007062702342300.htm

Cleco Power to pay $2 million penalty for violations
http://uaelp.pennnet.com/display_article/295157/22/ARTCL/none/none/Cleco-Power-to-pay-$2-million-penalty-for-violations/?pc=ENL
We should start penalising eletric utilities here too. Look at this .. Cleco Power was penalised US$2 Million as it violated the code of conduct (read:Regulations) wherein its employees of one department were "shared" !!

Remember, we have been asking REL to "separate its accounts of all its electricity business" .. well THIS is the reason why. Also, the US Regulator has stated that this penalty amount may NOT BE COLLECTED from the consumers ! Shame on MERC ...

Ambani vs Ambani: SC stay on sea link bids
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=11&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=24681
REL continues to cause more delays - just to fuel its own business interests .. fair enough as far as a business venture goes ..But what about the benefit of the public .. as far as REL is concerned .. the public can take a "walk" .. literally .. and the sea-link project be damned !Typical ...

Reliance Energy's subsidiary raises Rs 20 bn debt
http://www.myiris.com/newsCentre/newsPopup.php?fileR=20070627072853126&dir=2007/06/27&secID=livenews

Anil Ambani meets AP CM, discusses various projects
http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=42218

Go to the police, if you get a dodgy bill, says Patil
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=672f309f-c03d-4ff7-9aeb-2ef7d794a729#
Now you can make a Police complaint for an inflated bijlee bill !! Its happening .. its slowly happening ... the change will come ...

Govt targets 80,000 MW renewable energy capacity
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/29/stories/2007062951681000.htm

Shinde worried over shortage of turbines for power generation
http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/28/stories/2007062854671700.htm

Sunil Khanna quits Reliance Bluemagic
http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2007/newsfullstory.php?id=1183134520
Not that it affects us directly...but whatever is happening at REL seems to eventually affect tariff .. especially in the absence of separation of accounts .. till then I guess, we need to keep abreast of the developments ... :)

Should we pay "Reliability Charges" ???

If the lights go out .. please DO NOT pay Reliability Charges if they have been levied in your electricity bills !!

I am inferring this from MERC's reply, given to me, under RTI.

You are aware that in the Multi-Year Tariff Orders, MERC has introduced a new charge called "Reliability Charge" as an additional tariff rate over and above the normal rate of electricity, for all consumers across Mumbai.

These Charges are at different rates for each supplier. For example, for different categories...

- BEST levies 38 and 157 paise per unit
- REL levies 29, 74 and 109 paise per unit
- TPC levies 21, 121, 166, 186 and 221 paise per unit
- While MahaVitaran levies something called ASC, but no "Reliability Charges".

The public has been informed that this Reliability Charge is levied by electric companies to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity and hence we have to pay more as these companies need to make arrangements for standby/expensive power, etc., etc. - in order to NOT impose any load shedding.

The important question that arises is .. in case the supply is "interrupted" ... i.e. the lights go out .. Do we STILL pay the Reliability Charges ??

I posed this to MERC under RTI, of course, else they do not respond (my letter No. MERC/016 dated 22.5.2007) and in question no. 13, I asked for minutes of the meetings and discussion papers related to the issue of introduction of "Reliability Charges" - the concept, etc.

I received a reply No. MERC/ADM/172/Right to Infor. Act/1220 dated 7.6.2007, mentioning that this "Reliability Charge" is not a new concept and that this has been done earlier by MERC in the matter of an MSEB order dated 10.1.2002.

Since I had asked for documentary proof, I was given a hard copy of the relevant pages of that Order (which is also available on the MERC website at www.mercindia.org.in).

Read what the Order states, and make your own inference.

MERC Order dated 10.1.2002 in Case No. 1 of 2001, in Section 30.2.1 on "Reliability Charge - Application" - at page 177

Para 2 states:
"The intent of introduction of such charge as a component of tariff is to collect revenue from the consumers, who do receive uninterrupted (reliable) power supply."

Para 4 states:
"The MSEB will impose an additional charge of 25 paise per kWh, as a component of tariff to these consumers and ensure that they get uninterrupted power supply.

In any billing cycle, if there is any interruption in power supply from the MSEB system to these consumers, this Reliability Charge shall not be levied.

For the purpose of determination of uninterrupted power supply for the billing cycle, the planned interruptions (such as days covering staggered load programme of the MSEB for industrial consumers) shall be excluded."

Ok, so as "I" understand it:
# The Reliability Charge is to be paid for uninterrupted supply.
# In case supply is interrupted for any reason (other than a planned Load-shedding schedule), this charge is NOT payable.

Now, go figure it out yourself !

If anyone has any doubts, please feel free to contact me .. or better still .. ask MERC (under RTI) for copies of my RTI application and their own reply (details are given above).

Go ahead .. this is all public domain .... ;)

CNN IBN bows to REL pressure ?? Link yanked !!

This link:http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/41036/week-2-roys-still-powerless.html was a program aired by CNN IBN (Part 2 of 4, I am given to understand).

Apparently, after the 2nd episode, CNN IBN "apologised" to Anil Ambani (I don't know how far this is true...) and therefore episodes 3 & 4 were not aired.

Now this link is also pulled off !!!

Interestingly, recent newspaper reports have it that the Turner Group (CNN) has tied up with Rel Comm for providing media streams on Reliance Mobile.

Coincidence??

To be fair .. CNN IBN, IBN7, etc. were already available on Reliance handsets.

It seems that "BUSINESS" took precedence over "NEWS" for CNN IBN too .. the latest to join the casualty list .. after TOI ... but then, that's my opinion ;)

Draft CEA Regulations - Public Response needed

Here is a Link for the Draft Safety Regulations put out by the Central Electricity Authority:
http://www.cea.nic.in/e&c/regulations/draft_regulations/public%20notice.htm

The last date for public response is July 6th, 2007.

On the lighter side ...

This day may not be far when this actually happens .. with Reliance getting into each and every aspect of our lives ...

Read this fun piece here...
http://shivanathan.rediffiland.com/scripts/xanadu_diary_view.php?postId=1181121155

New's Links - 8th June

Lanco-Globeleq, four others extend bid bond validity
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=165816

RGPPL mulls buying gas from RIL for Dabhol power plant
http://news.andhrajyothy.com/dotNews/dotNews-readNews.aspx?newsId=6392

MSEB users to pay more
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1100392

Petronet to supply gas to RGPPL
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=165620

JBIC loan for Maharashtra power
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/04/stories/2007060401321500.htm
So now the approved interest rate should be 1.3%, right ?

HC dismisses REL's plea over sea link project
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Energy/Oil_Gas/HC_dismisses_RELs_plea_over_sea_link_project/articleshow/2098252.cms
An ADAG bid .. disqualified for not having enough "cash profit" .. Oh boy .. look for a Tariff hike, guys !!

Peak power shortfall is likely to go to 700MW in 2008 and hit 900-1,000MW in 2009
http://www.livemint.com/2007/06/06002050/Supplier-gets-rap-on-knuckles.html
Another article .. sounds like REL propaganda. Also, factually incorrect. It says that Tata generates 2300 MW (actually it is 1777MW) and REL generates 800 MW (actually its 500MW) .. well, so much for responsible journalism ...

Petronet losing $70,000 a day on gas pipeline delay
http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/petronet-losing-3670000daygas-pipeline-delay/284561

REL, Tata Power all set to end dispute, share site
http://www.livemint.com/2007/06/07002312/REL-Tata-Power-all-set-to-end.html
Methinks that REL being asked to "shift" its Gas power plant .. is not really a slap for REL .. maybe its a blessing in disguise .. they may not have the Gas to power the plant anyway .. looks stage-managed to me ! Also, the reporter makes the same mistake on Tata's and REL's power generation capacity...

Maharashtra may bear extra tariff, discount in VAT for Ratnagiripower
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=166378
Sure, go ahead .. burden the consumer .. who else will pay ...

NTPC to infuse Rs 500 cr in Dabhol
http://www.ndtvprofit.com/homepage/storybusinessnew.asp?id=38761&template=&cache=6/7/2007%2011:11:42%20PM
Strange, why two separate Press Releases were made ... see below

GAIL to pump in Rs 500 cr in Dabhol
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/GAIL_to_pump_in_Rs_500_cr_in_Dabhol/articleshow/2105080.cms
And surprisingly, this one did not mention that NTPC too had put in 500 cr.. see above

It rained last night in Mumbai Suburbs ...

It was more than just a pre-monsoon drizzle. It was a reasonably heavy downpour - accompanied by the usual thunder and lightning .. and the sweet aroma of wet mud :)

However, this also brought on the fear of what happened to us in Mumbai on that fateful 26/7 day in 2005.

I don't know if REL is equipped to handle another disaster like that.

See this link

http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2217/stories/20050826005501000.htm

that appeared at that time - just as a reminder of how flat REL fell on its nose.

With the kind of obsence tariffs that they have taken from us since October 2006, by jove, if they mess up this time .. they will really have to pay dearly...

The Rs. 100 cr so graciously announced by Anil Ambani (in the article) ...was not from his own pocket .. WE consumers paid for it .. so now we'd like to see us getting our money's worth.

Just two days back there was a sub-station trip at Poisar which plunged a few parts of Borivili/Kandivili into darkness for nearly two hours - 8.15 pm to11.00 pm. Without the rains if this is the situation .. what can we expect when it rains??

If we have even ONE hour of power outage anywhere in Mumbai suburbs on account of any silly reason ascribed to the rains, REL top brass should FORFEIT their salaries and commissions ...

How's that Mr. Anil Ambani .. ready to put your money where your mouth is ??

Today's News Links 1.6.2007

REL hunts for miner in Indonesia
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=165467

Reliance Bluemagic gets DTH licence
For the current article, click here:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=e246271a-5fd9-4a91-bbe4-d3036b53752c&&Headline=Reliance+Bluemagic+gets+DTH+licence

Surprisingly, no mention of the fact that the Bluemagic License belongs to Reliance Energy !! See these links:
http://www.efytimes.com/efytimes/fullnews.asp?edid=5020&magid=
http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k6/sep/sep101.htm

Today's News Links 30.5.2007

Oh, boy, we're in trouble .. the PM is "worried"

"Worried PM calls meeting on power with state chief ministers"
http://www.livemint.com/2007/05/28001906/Worried-PM-calls-meeting-on-po.html

-----------------------

I had raised this issue at the MahaVitaran public hearing. The MSEB network (all 3 cos) had projected a spend of over Rs.62,000 crores in the three-year MYT period. Yet after all of this Genco stated that its power generation capacity would increase only 8% !! And Vitaran stated that there would still be 6-7 hr power cuts across Maharashtra. They also projected the T&D loss to come down (across the network) from approx 40% to approx 35% only ! Now MERC seems to have woken up ....

"MERC wants MSEB to phase out Capex programme"
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?rep=2&aid=373667&ssid=50&sid=BUS

-----------------------
Interestingly, this next article has reference to the "Dahanu expansion project" .. When did REL get the clearance ?? They haven't yet complied with Supreme Court's ruling on the FGD plant for reducing existing environmental pollution ...

"Reliance Energy eyes coal mines abroad"
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Indl_Goods_Svs/Reliance_Energy_eyes_coal_mines_abroad/articleshow/2081601.cms

-----------------------
And here's great gyaan from the Delhi CM...

"Delhi dependent on neighbours, says Sheila"
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070529/delhi.htm

-----------------------
I came across this interesting piece on Wind Power....
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2006/11/350013.shtml

-----------------------
And here's our own CM mouthing more data ...

"Maharashtra could face 11,000 MW power shortage"
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Maharashtra_could_face_11000_MW_power_shortage/articleshow/2080766.cms

Bro vs. Bro - Part 2 .. or 3 .. or ??

"RIL to set up Power Plant in Baramati", is what the Economic Times (Mumbai Ed) page 3 reported on 28.5.2007.

RIL is setting up a (captive) power plant in Baramati, Maharashtra.

51% of the power will be used captively while 49% can be made available to the State Grid.

How's that for by-passing the non-compete clause with bro, Anil??

Reminds me of MAD comics' "Spy vs Spy" ....

PM's Remarks at the CMs Conference on Power

Here is what the PM had to say.

A lot of words.
Too many (oft heard) promises.
Not enough concrete action on the street.

Opening remarks here:
http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28277

Closing remarks here:
http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28298

They don't look very different do they ?

The opening remarks had a few harsh words on the Regulators which were softened in the closing !

Rest of it is pretty much "babu"-speak (read:same thing twisted around).

Talking of "Babus" .. here's Dr. Ahluwalia's remarks:
http://www.pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28297

If the PM has no control (or very little control) over what's happening .. what hope is there for the rest of us??

Why is HE upset that things are not happening ! If HE can't get it done .. who the hell is running this country ??

Maybe we should empower the President a lot more ... if only we can get Dr. Kalam to agree to stand again ...

Today's News Links

Rs 197-cr MERC boost to cut T&D losses in city
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=238040

REL's Dadri project to be reviewed: Mayawati
http://www.ndtvprofit.com/homepage/storybusinessnew.asp?id=38481&template=&cache=5/25/2007%206:14:43%20PM

IHT reports on India's Power struggle ..

The International Herald Tribune featured this article .. also reproduced by MINT, yesterday.

Interestingly it says the national shortfall is only 14% (approx 14,000 MW) .. but here the Maharashtra Govt says we have a shortfall of around 6,000 MW .. so the REST of India put together needs only another 8,000 MW ???

Not that I believe the State Govt either - they said that Mumbai has a shortfall and that there would be load shedding this summer ... well, did anyone notice any blackouts ??

Where do these guys get their numbers from ??

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/24/business/sxview.php

Workers go on rampage at Reliance thermal plant

This happened at REL's new Haryana plant - surprisingly reported by NewKerala first ... now that's the power of the media !

http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=33025

Malini Shankar moved out of MERC

Well Deshmukh has finally done it. He has moved Malini Shankar, Secretary MERC, out. She now will be Development Commissioner.

The news item doesn't say who moves in .. but I hope it is someone more sensible.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Mumbai/Deshmukh_transfers_28_babus_/articleshow/2072945.cms

Madras High Court decision set aside

Ok, I just came across this one and need to find out more, but it sounds very interesting ...

http://www.business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=3&subLeft=3&chklogin=N&autono=285484&tab=r

Will keep you all posted ..

Mercury in CFLs .. New Problem !!

Well we seem to be out of the frying pan and into the fire ..

Just when we thought we could switch from incandescent bulbs to CFLs, we now have the Cassandras talking of Mercury levels in CFLs being dangerous if CFL-recyling plants do not exist (They DO have a point).

Read related articles here:
http://consciousearth.blogspot.com/2007/05/cfls-mercury-small-problem-thats.html

and here:
http://www.reuk.co.uk/Toxic-Mercury-in-CFL-Bulbs.htm

Received your NEW electricity bills yet ?

For those of you in Mumbai, this is about the time we get our new MERC-approved first MYT-Tariff Bills.

The biggest impact will be felt by the BEST consumers, whose bills will almost DOUBLE !! .. and they didn't even turn up for the Public Hearing ...

REL's small industrial consumers will be pleased that the Fixed Demand Charge is now only above 20kW (26.5 HP) as against the earlier 11.25KW (15 HP).

Also, the Billing Demand will be calculated on 65% of Max Demand hit (as opposed to 100% earlier).

And the rate for Fixed Charge has come down to Rs. 300 per kVA, from Rs. 374 per kVA.

All in all, small industries will get approx 45% LOWER bills (on account of the Fixed Demand itself) and many may actually "escape"the clutches of Fixed Demand by the increase in threshold.

Some reason here to smile !

Residential users, make sure you have only a SINGLE-phase connection. If you have a three-phase connection, get it converted to single-phase. Check your electricity bill, by seeing what is the FIXED charge that you are paying, you will be able to figure out whether you are single-phase or three-phase (Rs. 100 Fixed charge generally means you are in three-phase, unless your consumption is unduly high).

However, the rates have gone up for all suppliers and now the Max rate for units in excess of 500 has crossed Rs. 7 .. so watch your consumption, guys !

The other issue that we fought for .. a parity on the Prompt Payment Discount and Delayed Payment Charges, has also been finally rectified by MERC. Now the discount and penalty will be calculated on the same elements (excluding only duuties and taxes, which is fair) .. so consumers can now avail of prompt payment discount even on the Fixed Charges and Power factor penalty/incentive also :)

Will post a detailed comparison of all suppliers' rates later.

Today's News Links

Wind-cum-solar units planned in 100 villages
http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/24/stories/2007052404920500.htm

MERC powers up consumers
http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=fromthepress&subsection=inbombay&xfile=May2007_inbombay_standard13007

Why can't we just ban the incandescent bulb?
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=2a1f4455-1496-48a0-880a-cf5db90661b1

Corruption in Electricity Services
http://www.livemint.com/2007/05/02221320/Corruption-in-Electricity-Serv.html

Energy-saver lamp sales grow 50% over 3 years
http://www.livemint.com/2007/05/24011135/Energysaver-lamp-sales-grow-5.html

State to get 14,000 MW in the future
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1098573

Mayawati wants Anil Ambani's SEZ scrapped
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=c05b89fc-1ea2-4780-867e-4033b8941b1a&&Headline=Maya+puts+a+hex+on+Anil’s+trade+zone

Land for Power Plants at cheap rates ??

It seems that BSES Delhi wants the Delhi Government to sell land at cheaper (than market) rates, to set up their Power plants.

Why ?

They are going to be making enough money anyway - as is apparent from their latest Results, available here:
http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/stockpricequote/powergeneration/relianceenergy/05/14/quarterlyresults/marketprice/RE10

The news item appears here...
http://www.livemint.com/2007/05/22201352/Delhi-government-wants-power-c.html

Today's News Links

BEST assurance falls flat on face
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1098333

PFC to look into misrepresentation of facts by Lanco Infratech
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=164836

High on power, low on delivery
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=164801

Reliance Cap books Energy profit
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070522/asp/business/story_7811859.asp

NTPC goes green, to foray into wind power
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=372493&ssid=53&sid=BUS

MERC for judicious use of power
http://www.business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=284216&tab=r

MSEDCL asks regulator to do rethink on power cuts
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=285083&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

Greens budget speech
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/greens-budget-speech/2007/05/10/1178390461145.html?page=2

Cogeneration projects get a boost
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Pune/Cogeneration_projects_get_a_boost/articleshow/2024459.cms

First Post ...

Ok .. so it was getting a bit much to have all the bijlee (electricity) related posts on my personal blog.

So I thought of setting up a new one here (at bijleepower) that deals exclusively with bijlee.

You can look forward to more links on news items - pretty much like what we have at the Yahoo Bijlee Group site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/

Hope you are em"powered" by these posts !

BTW, my personal blog continues at http://snohri.blogspot.com ... and will become a lot more informal ;)