Date:18/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/18/stories/2005051802440100.htm

Back Maharashtra move on equitable power cuts

Our Bureau

Mumbai , May 17

THE Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) today called for peoples' comments on the State Electricity Board's proposed shedding schedules for power cuts. The Mumbai High Court had directed the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) to decide on an equitable and fair schedule for blackouts in consultation with the MERC.

The State has been reeling under severe power shortages and the State-owned electricity board has had to enforce blackouts in rural and urban Maharashtra. The public hearings are expected to air out peoples' problems and resentment over the blackouts.

The MERC has asked for comments and suggestions on MSEB's proposal before May 25. Consumers will also be given a chance to be heard in person at the public hearings scheduled by the Commission.

Maharashtra has seen unprecedented political protests over the blackouts. MSEB has moved an application and sought directions from the MERC under Section 23 of Electricity Act, 2003.

The Commission has directed MSEB and other utilities in the State on the measures that are required to be taken to alleviate the problems to the extent possible.