Sunday, November 29, 2009
Latest Posts at BIJLEE Yahoo Group
Here is a quick snapshot of some of the latest news items that have been posted at the BIJLEE Yahoo Group Site (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee)
Andrew Yule, FIs to sell off Dishergarh stake
Sumanta Ray Chaudhuri / DNA, Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:36 IST
Companies cede power trading licences
24 Nov 2009, 1005 hrs IST, Subhash Narayan, ET Bureau
BEST sees red over distribution network of Tata
Ashley D'Mello, TNN 24 November 2009, 12:34am IST
To receive these directly, join the BIJLEE Group
Andrew Yule, FIs to sell off Dishergarh stake
Sumanta Ray Chaudhuri / DNA, Thursday, November 19, 2009 4:36 IST
Companies cede power trading licences
24 Nov 2009, 1005 hrs IST, Subhash Narayan, ET Bureau
BEST sees red over distribution network of Tata
Ashley D'Mello, TNN 24 November 2009, 12:34am IST
To receive these directly, join the BIJLEE Group
Calculate savings of switchover to TATA
After much work, anguish and deliberations, MERC had issued an Interim Order in the matter of switchover to TATA. I am happy to inform you that we have successfully had the first case of a switchover. An existing RINFRA consumer has been duly moved to TATA - using RINFRA's network and TATA's Meter!
Now, before everyone decides to do the same, first check whether it makes economic sense to switch to TATA. To help you, I have prepared a detailed Excel sheet for Single Phase, Residential consumers (LT-I) Tariff showing the exact calculations and savings of moving from RINFRA to TATA.
Here are some of the results of the calculations in the PRESENT scenario.
For 1,500 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 13,391 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 9,212
Monthly Savings = Rs. 4,179 Annual Savings = Rs. 50,147
For 1,000 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 8,309 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 5,828
Monthly Savings = Rs. 2,482 Annual Savings = Rs. 29,780
For 800 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 6,277 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 4,474
Monthly Savings = Rs. 1,803 Annual Savings = Rs. 21,634
For 500 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 3,172 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 2,387
Monthly Savings = Rs. 784 Annual Savings = Rs. 9,413
For 350 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 1,857 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 1,490
Monthly Savings = Rs. 368 Annual Savings = Rs. 4,412
For 200 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 879 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 760
Monthly Savings = Rs. 119 Annual Savings = Rs. 1,427
For 100 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 316 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 307
Monthly Savings = Rs. 9 Annual Savings = Rs. 108
It seems clear from the above, that only those consumers who have a higher monthly consumption would benefit more by switching to TATA from RINFRA.
However, the decision to DO-THE-SWITCH must be an informed, long-term decision and not a short-term knee jerk reaction. The attached file covers the PRESENT scenario as well a few other known possible scenarios that may happen in the next one year. For instance:
a) Due to approvals from earlier MERC and ATE Orders, RINFRA already has an 'uncovered gap' of Rs. 1,079 crores! Suppose they get an approval to charge this in next year's Tariff - what would be the impact?
b) MERC has stayed the RINFRA June 2009 Tariff Order, but suppose the stay order is lifted?
c) RINFRA has gone to High Court and asked for a stay on the limit of Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC) of 67 paise. They are asking for 113 paise/unit. Suppose they succeed?
d) In this Interim Order, MERC has allowed RINFRA to collect Wheeling charges, despite our protests that we have already paid for these. In case, it is ruled that we do not have to pay RINFRA Wheeling charges, then the NEW switchover bills will be even more lower.
e) If the consumer uses a TATA meter instead of a RINFRA Meter, it is possible that consumption recording itself is lower!
The attached Excel file also shows how much would be the difference in case the above scenarios start playing out.
Do feel free to circulate this to all concerned and please send me feedback - especially if there are any errors (this is so complicated, even though I've tried my best, there may still be some mistakes!)
This Excel file is also available on the BIJLEE Group in the Files section here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/files/_RINFRA_SWITCHOVER/
I will request MERC to prepare such types of Calculators and host them on their websites.
Trust this has been of help to you :)
Now, before everyone decides to do the same, first check whether it makes economic sense to switch to TATA. To help you, I have prepared a detailed Excel sheet for Single Phase, Residential consumers (LT-I) Tariff showing the exact calculations and savings of moving from RINFRA to TATA.
Here are some of the results of the calculations in the PRESENT scenario.
For 1,500 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 13,391 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 9,212
Monthly Savings = Rs. 4,179 Annual Savings = Rs. 50,147
For 1,000 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 8,309 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 5,828
Monthly Savings = Rs. 2,482 Annual Savings = Rs. 29,780
For 800 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 6,277 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 4,474
Monthly Savings = Rs. 1,803 Annual Savings = Rs. 21,634
For 500 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 3,172 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 2,387
Monthly Savings = Rs. 784 Annual Savings = Rs. 9,413
For 350 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 1,857 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 1,490
Monthly Savings = Rs. 368 Annual Savings = Rs. 4,412
For 200 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 879 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 760
Monthly Savings = Rs. 119 Annual Savings = Rs. 1,427
For 100 units per month:
Existing RINFRA Bill = Rs. 316 Switchover TATA Bill = Rs. 307
Monthly Savings = Rs. 9 Annual Savings = Rs. 108
It seems clear from the above, that only those consumers who have a higher monthly consumption would benefit more by switching to TATA from RINFRA.
However, the decision to DO-THE-SWITCH must be an informed, long-term decision and not a short-term knee jerk reaction. The attached file covers the PRESENT scenario as well a few other known possible scenarios that may happen in the next one year. For instance:
a) Due to approvals from earlier MERC and ATE Orders, RINFRA already has an 'uncovered gap' of Rs. 1,079 crores! Suppose they get an approval to charge this in next year's Tariff - what would be the impact?
b) MERC has stayed the RINFRA June 2009 Tariff Order, but suppose the stay order is lifted?
c) RINFRA has gone to High Court and asked for a stay on the limit of Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC) of 67 paise. They are asking for 113 paise/unit. Suppose they succeed?
d) In this Interim Order, MERC has allowed RINFRA to collect Wheeling charges, despite our protests that we have already paid for these. In case, it is ruled that we do not have to pay RINFRA Wheeling charges, then the NEW switchover bills will be even more lower.
e) If the consumer uses a TATA meter instead of a RINFRA Meter, it is possible that consumption recording itself is lower!
The attached Excel file also shows how much would be the difference in case the above scenarios start playing out.
Do feel free to circulate this to all concerned and please send me feedback - especially if there are any errors (this is so complicated, even though I've tried my best, there may still be some mistakes!)
This Excel file is also available on the BIJLEE Group in the Files section here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee/files/_RINFRA_SWITCHOVER/
I will request MERC to prepare such types of Calculators and host them on their websites.
Trust this has been of help to you :)
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Rediff Article
Sometimes you get lucky and people get to know about your struggle.
Rediff put this up
http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/oct/09/slide-show-1-meet-the-man-who-took-on-reliance-energy.htm
Feedback is most welcome :)
Rediff put this up
http://business.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/oct/09/slide-show-1-meet-the-man-who-took-on-reliance-energy.htm
Feedback is most welcome :)
Monday, May 4, 2009
My presentation at MERC's Publilc Hearing
Check this out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9E-KdDQ7l0
Its the presentation I made at MERC's Public hearing on Rel Infra's Tariff petition.
Got a copy thru RTI.
Hope this encourages more people to make presentations.
More at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9E-KdDQ7l0
Its the presentation I made at MERC's Public hearing on Rel Infra's Tariff petition.
Got a copy thru RTI.
Hope this encourages more people to make presentations.
More at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bijlee
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Reliance Tariff Hike - Public Response
The response that I will be submitting to Reliance is attached here and here
Go through it so that you may understand the issues we are dealing with. I am not a legal expert and the legal fraternity may excuse my attempt at this :)
Anyway, I have attempted to include all the issues that would affect Residential consumers.
The procedure is thus:
1. Fill in your name, postal address tel/mobile and email ID (before you take prints). Details need to be filled on Page 1, Page 2 and Page 19.
2. Before Thurs, March 19th, make sure one copy is delivered to
Mr. Ramesh Shenoy, Company Secretary
Reliance Infrastructure Limited
Reliance Energy Centre
Santa Cruz (E)
Mumbai 400055
You would need to show proof of service so make 2 copies and get one stamped / acknowledged by their office - or retain Fax/courier slip (in which case you may need to do it at least one day earlier). There is no email provided for Reliance - so that makes it a little more difficult for us! However, I tried sending it to ramesh.shenoy@relianceada.com.
3. Make 6 copies of the submission (actually make 7, you will need one for yourself!) and attach the fax/courier/stamped page on all 6 copies and then send it before Thurs Mar 19th, to
The Secretary
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission
13th Floor, Centre No. 1, World Trade Centre
Cuffe Parade
Mumbai 400005
Fax: 2216 3976
email: mercindia@mercindia.org.in
To see what really happens, come for the Public Hearing on Thurs Mar 26th at Rangsharda Natya Mandir, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W). The hearing starts at 11am.
Let's try and ensure we get justice done !
- Sandeep.
Go through it so that you may understand the issues we are dealing with. I am not a legal expert and the legal fraternity may excuse my attempt at this :)
Anyway, I have attempted to include all the issues that would affect Residential consumers.
The procedure is thus:
1. Fill in your name, postal address tel/mobile and email ID (before you take prints). Details need to be filled on Page 1, Page 2 and Page 19.
2. Before Thurs, March 19th, make sure one copy is delivered to
Mr. Ramesh Shenoy, Company Secretary
Reliance Infrastructure Limited
Reliance Energy Centre
Santa Cruz (E)
Mumbai 400055
You would need to show proof of service so make 2 copies and get one stamped / acknowledged by their office - or retain Fax/courier slip (in which case you may need to do it at least one day earlier). There is no email provided for Reliance - so that makes it a little more difficult for us! However, I tried sending it to ramesh.shenoy@relianceada.com.
3. Make 6 copies of the submission (actually make 7, you will need one for yourself!) and attach the fax/courier/stamped page on all 6 copies and then send it before Thurs Mar 19th, to
The Secretary
Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission
13th Floor, Centre No. 1, World Trade Centre
Cuffe Parade
Mumbai 400005
Fax: 2216 3976
email: mercindia@mercindia.org.in
To see what really happens, come for the Public Hearing on Thurs Mar 26th at Rangsharda Natya Mandir, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (W). The hearing starts at 11am.
Let's try and ensure we get justice done !
- Sandeep.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Reliance's Proposed Tariff Hike
I have been going through the Reliance Tariff petition and was trying to find out the increase in electricity charges, since Sep 2006 (the past 30 months). I was surprised with the results and decided to prepare a 'calculator' for Reliance customers to realize how much their tariff has gone up in the past 30 months.
I've uploaded the file here on the Bijlee YahooGroup site and you can sign in to access it (scroll down the list to reach the file "Revised_Reliance_Tariff_Calculator.xls).
All you need to do is input your consumption in the yellow box on the first sheet - and the data will appear as to how much you would have paid at various intervals during this time frame. The dates taken are based on the various tariff orders issued by MERC.
I have included the figure of what would happen, if Reliance's current proposal is approved.
Just to give you a few examples:
1. If your consumption is 100 units - in Sep 2006 you would have paid Rs. 205.29, and (if Reliance's proposal is approved) from Apr 2009, you would be paying Rs. 418.76 - a whopping 104% up in 30 months - and average of almost 42% per year (or 3.5% per month)
2. If your consumption is 400 units - in Sep 2006 you would have paid Rs. 1,577.15, and (if Reliance's proposal is approved) from Apr 2009, you would be paying Rs. 2,923.84 - an increase of 85% in 30 months - and average of approx 34% per year (or nearly 2.9% per month).
Just to put this in perspective, the official Inflation Index for India for FY 2006-07 was 519 and for FY 2008-09 it is 582, which means that as per the Govt. the actual inflation has been around 12% (582/519) for this period.
Also, from Sep 2006 till date, central excise duty has come down from 14% to 8% (down 43%), service tax has come down from 12.36% to 10.3% (down 17%), the price of oil (per barrel) has come down from US$ 63.75 to US$ 41.31 (down 35%) - and yet Reliance has petitioned MERC with an increase that will end up in us paying almost 30% MORE.
I wonder if our disposable incomes went up as much !!
The MERC Public Hearing on Reliance's Tariff Petition is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th at Rangsharda, Bandra Reclamation at 11am. I trust at least a few of you would file a public response opposing the hike (I will be filing one - and you would like to do that, please email me and I send you a copy of what I file).
For those who can't wait - send an email to mercindia@mercindia.org.in - not that they take cognizance of emails - but still 1,000 emails can make a BIG difference - considering that there are about 28 Lakh consumers of Reliance... and don't forget to mark me a copy!
Go ahead and try this - and do send me your feedback at sandeep.ohri@ymail.com (bouquets and brickbats - both will be accepted humbly).
- Sandeep
(Disclaimer: I have tried to make this calculator as accurate as possible - but please try and understand that this is really complex and hey.. who said everyone was perfect!)
I've uploaded the file here on the Bijlee YahooGroup site and you can sign in to access it (scroll down the list to reach the file "Revised_Reliance_Tariff_Calculator.xls).
All you need to do is input your consumption in the yellow box on the first sheet - and the data will appear as to how much you would have paid at various intervals during this time frame. The dates taken are based on the various tariff orders issued by MERC.
I have included the figure of what would happen, if Reliance's current proposal is approved.
Just to give you a few examples:
1. If your consumption is 100 units - in Sep 2006 you would have paid Rs. 205.29, and (if Reliance's proposal is approved) from Apr 2009, you would be paying Rs. 418.76 - a whopping 104% up in 30 months - and average of almost 42% per year (or 3.5% per month)
2. If your consumption is 400 units - in Sep 2006 you would have paid Rs. 1,577.15, and (if Reliance's proposal is approved) from Apr 2009, you would be paying Rs. 2,923.84 - an increase of 85% in 30 months - and average of approx 34% per year (or nearly 2.9% per month).
Just to put this in perspective, the official Inflation Index for India for FY 2006-07 was 519 and for FY 2008-09 it is 582, which means that as per the Govt. the actual inflation has been around 12% (582/519) for this period.
Also, from Sep 2006 till date, central excise duty has come down from 14% to 8% (down 43%), service tax has come down from 12.36% to 10.3% (down 17%), the price of oil (per barrel) has come down from US$ 63.75 to US$ 41.31 (down 35%) - and yet Reliance has petitioned MERC with an increase that will end up in us paying almost 30% MORE.
I wonder if our disposable incomes went up as much !!
The MERC Public Hearing on Reliance's Tariff Petition is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th at Rangsharda, Bandra Reclamation at 11am. I trust at least a few of you would file a public response opposing the hike (I will be filing one - and you would like to do that, please email me and I send you a copy of what I file).
For those who can't wait - send an email to mercindia@mercindia.org.in - not that they take cognizance of emails - but still 1,000 emails can make a BIG difference - considering that there are about 28 Lakh consumers of Reliance... and don't forget to mark me a copy!
Go ahead and try this - and do send me your feedback at sandeep.ohri@ymail.com (bouquets and brickbats - both will be accepted humbly).
- Sandeep
(Disclaimer: I have tried to make this calculator as accurate as possible - but please try and understand that this is really complex and hey.. who said everyone was perfect!)
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ELBC detects current to earth and prevents shocks and accidents, a BSES official said adding that it is a small price to pay for safety and peace of mind.
"This simple device detects even a small current to earth automatically tripping and disconnecting the electricity supply," he said.
The BSES has made it mandatory to install ELCB for all new connections of 5 kW and above.
"All existing consumers having a load of 5 kW and above are advised to install ELCB," he said.
Another benefit of installing an ELCB is that it also detects faulty and inter-mixing of internal wiring. On detection, the ELCB immediately trips, thus preventing potential wastage of electricity and accidents.