MSEDCL extends help to HT consumers to mitigate hardships during lockdown period

Staff Reporter :

With consumer demand contracting due to countrywide lockdown, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has offered industries drawing continuous power a helping hand to mitigate their hardships. The production units having High Tension (HT) connections can apply for contraction in their demand that would translate into savings as fixed charges would come down automatically. The scheme was floated about a month back and is now extended upto July 31, said the MSEDCL which also simplified the procedure wherein industries can apply for reduction in power contact demand (CD) through on-line process.

Due to countrywide lockdown, many of the industries that used to function at full capacity were forced to scale down production thereby reducing need for full contracted demand. Seeing the downward trend in power consumption, MSEDCL approached Maharashtra Energy Regulatory Commissioner (MERC) that approved the company’s scheme on May 21. As per the details, MSEDCL stated that any unit can apply for reduction in contract demand upto three billing cycles but attached some riders to enable proper load management. The reduction in energy demand for HT consumers is capped at 20 per cent of original contract demand that is 187 KVA. In case of industries having roof top solar power generation, as per the scheme they can avail concession upto maximum capacity of their installed capacity (KWp).

For industries that opted for partial open access facility, the reduction in CD will be allowed up to 20 per cent of original Total CD (Total CD including MSEDCL CD & Open Access CD, before 22.03.2020), however with condition that reduced total CD shall not be less than Open Access quantum or less than 1 MVA. In case, any industries demand for reduction in CD is less than 188 KVA, the same will be allowed but restored to 188 KVA immediately after withdrawal of lockdown. Similarly, consumer would continue to bear charges for circuit transformer (CT) compensation error, if levied in billing for the period till the replacement of existing CTs by MSEDCL with appropriate one or maximum two billing cycles, whichever is earlier.

There is no escape for consumer from wheeling charges pertaining to the connected voltage level irrespective of the load reduction and as per SoP irrespective of original contract demand. This is going to contentious issues as MSEDCL while providing relief is also that other charges continue to applicable. Processing charges applicable as per schedule of charges will be debited in subsequent bill. After availing an auto-load reduction facility, the application for reinstatement of original demand will be auto approved, subject to enhanced CD is less than or equal to the original CD as available before lockdown i.e. CD before 22.03.2020.

On-line facility for scaling down contract demand and revision MSEDCL has made it clear that application has to made on-line and no manual or e-mail communication would be accepted. Also consumers should enter register mobile number and e-mail ID while submitting form as same would be verified through OTP sent on registered mobile number / E-mail ID. A SMS would be sent on register mobile number for acceptance to register number for confirmation. Further, consumer can view the status of submitted application at consumer portal link at https://grouppaybill. mahadiscom.in/PayNCCharges/UI/LOADCHANGE/LoadChange.as px. All applications for CD change should be submitted on-line at least three days in advance. E.g. For applications submitted on 25.05.2020 consumer can get CD change effective from 29.05.2020 (00.00 hrs) or any later date within the billing cycle as selected by consumer.

For on-line application of CD change, no documents are required to be uploaded. For CD enhancement beyond the original CD ( CD before 22.03.2020), such application will not be auto approved by system. Such application will be approved by concerned SE(O&M) of a circle, after confirmation of technical feasibility. To avail above facilities, it is requested to submit your request through web self-service portal of MSEDCL using following link https://wss.mahadiscom.in/wss/wss.