Replace faulty meters in timely manner: JERC

Dushyant Singh Pundir

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 3

Over non-replacement of electromechanical meters, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has directed the UT Electricity Department to ensure replacement of faulty meters in a timely manner.

During a public hearing on February 12, stakeholders SK Nayar and Narinder Sharma, president and secretary of the Indian Citizen’s Forum, respectively, had submitted that the commission had already directed the department to replace the meters in a time-bound period. However, the department did not abide by the direction. As a result, it was suffering huge commercial losses as these meters were not so efficient in recording energy used.

In response to the allegations, the department stated that replacement of defective or non-functional meters was a continuous process. However, every effort was being made to ensure that faulty meters were replaced on a priority. At present, there were only a few electromechanical meters and these would be replaced shortly. The department submitted quarterly report on the status of meters to the commission regularly, stated the department.

Taking a serious view of the fact that the department was yet to ensure full compliance of its orders, the commission directed the department to ensure that faulty meters were replaced in a timely manner.

Over a delay in completion of 66-kV works, the stakeholders submitted that 66-kV substations in Raipur Kalan and Sarangpur villages were constructed and completed by the department about eight years ago, but the stations were not in use as the 66-kV line to feed the substations was yet to be laid.

In response, the department stated that the work of laying double circuit of 66-kV transmission line and line bays for 66-kV grid substation at Sarangpur had already been given to M/s Hartek Power Limited. The work was under progress. M/s RECPDCL had been appointed as the project management agency for the execution of a 66-kV transmission line, along with 66-kV bay, at grid substation, Raipur Kalan, but the matter is sub judice regarding the construction of a 66-kV substation and the next date of hearing in the case is June 28.

On this, the commission directed the department to expedite the matter so that the work can be completed as early as possible and submit the status report within three months.