CHHATTISGARH State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) has sought additional time to submit its response regarding the proposed takeover of Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) Township’s power supply system. As decided during the hearing at the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) office in Raipur, on Friday, CSPDCL has been granted time until May 6 to file its reply. CSERC Secretary S. P. Shukla said the extension was requested to obtain necessary approvals from the Boards of Directors of the concerned power companies. Meanwhile, the Township Electrical Engineering Department (TEED) of BSP has been directed to ensure steady progress in the installation of smart meters for nearly 34,000 consumers, aimed at enabling accurate energy consumption monitoring.

 

CSERC is also organising consumer awareness workshops to educate residents about their rights. S Khandelwal, Chief Engineer (Durg Region), CSPDCL, informed that a detailed draft Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has already been submitted to the Board of Directors for approval to proceed further in the matter. It may be recalled that BSP had approached CSERC around two months ago, seeking transfer of its township power supply system to CSPDCL. During the proceedings, CSERC also acknowledged objections raised by consumer representatives and assured them a separate hearing with sufficient opportunity to present their concerns. In the previous hearing, CSPDCL stated that it plans to conduct a joint survey with BSP to assess the existing power infrastructure and verify consumer data. A comprehensive report will then be prepared for submission to the company’s Board of Directors to facilitate further action and a final decision on the proposed transfer.