Tuesday, June 1, 2010

DERC Rejects Discoms' Tariff Hike Demand

In a major setback to the power distribution companies in the Capital, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has once again rejected the contentions of discoms seeking hike in power tariff. Hardening its position on the ongoing faceoff over the power tariff dispute, the DERC has shot off letters to all three private discoms rejecting their arguments point-by-point, demanding an increasing in the rates. 
 
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission also sent a letter to the Government, believed to be sympathetic to the demands by the discoms, strongly objecting to any hike in tariff. The letters to discoms as well as to the Government from the DERC came days after a top official in the Chief Minister's office said genuine demands of the discoms must be addressed by the regulatory board while finalising the new electricity rates.

In its letter to Tata backed discom - NDPL - the DERC said the company made a profit of Rs 468.82 crore in 2009-10, which increased from Rs 169.60 crore in 2004-05, an increase of 176 per cent. The regulator also charged NDPL of giving "figures without any basis" in its representation to the Government demanding a hike while ignoring the fact that the audited accounts for 2009-10 showed a cash profit of Rs 468.82 crore. 

Also rejecting the discom's arguement that banks have refused to lend money to the company for its poor financial position, DERC said credit rating agency ICRA has given NDPL high credit quality rating for its healthy financial position.

DETAILED NEWS CAN BE VIEWED FROM THE LINK IN HEADLINE ABOVE.

With thanks : source : DailyPioneer

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