New Delhi: Unscheduled power cuts by distribution companies in the national capital will now weigh heavy for discoms. According to a directive by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), power distribution companies will now have to compensate consumers for unscheduled power cuts.
According to a notification issued by DERC on Monday to this effect, the compensation amount can range from Rs 25 to Rs 100 per hour. The Delhi Electricity Supply Code and Performance Standard regulations will become effective immediately, the notification read.
Last week, the Delhi government had directed DERC, under section 108 of the Electricity Act, to penalise the companies for unscheduled power cuts.
The decision was taken following frequent power cuts in the national capital in the midst of scorching heat. The compensation amount will be give to consumers through adjustment in their bills within 90 days.
Delhi’s power demand hit an all-time peak of 6,188 MW on May 20, which power officials say may rise further in coming months.
The authorities have urged people to stop using non-important power guzzling appliances during peak hours to meet the overall demand.
In view of the situation, Power Minister Satyender Jain had last week chaired a meeting with discoms and directed them to immediately deploy additional teams to minimize the complaints of electricity consumers to deal with consumers complaints.
