Summary:
In the petition, the PSPCL claimed 'As the open access consumers source their power from alternate means, the available generation capacities of the PSPCL remains stranded, on which the power corporation has to pay fixed charges.' This policy mandates that 'The fixed costs related to network assets can be covered through wheeling charges payable on the stranded capacity. Last year during October 2016 to March 2017 the PSPCL had to pay Rs 4198.59 crore as the fixed cost.The PSPCL has submitted that as per the Section 8.5 of the National Tariff Policy the surcharge is applicable under the existing circumstances. The PSPCL has also produced the relevant data before the commission for computation of the surcharge.The PSERC has admitted the petition and asked the PSPCL to publish a public notice latest by October 1, inviting suggestions and objections from general public and stakeholders on the issue.The PSPCL has contended that it has adequate generating capacities to meet the entire power demand, including the open access consumers during the said period. 'The corporation has also asserted that as per Clause 27 of PSERC Open Access Regulations of 2011, 'Open access consumers receiving supply from sources other than the distribution licensee of his area, shall pay to the distribution licensee an additional surcharge on the charges of wheeling to meet the fixed cost obligations of the distribution licensee as provided under sub-section (4) of section 42 of the Act..