Bengaluru: Energy experts in the state have slammed the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for not stepping in to resolve the power crisis in the state. The commission has also not convened a public meeting as mandated under Section 23 of the Electricity Act.
The KERC should keep the people informed about the availability of power. While such regulatory commission in other states hold regular public hearings and try to alleviate the problems of the people, KERC has been a mere spectator even as the state continues to reel under a severe power crisis, they said.
The experts refused to accept the data given by the government on power shortage. “On Monday, the state had a deficit of just 48 mw, but still there were power cuts. The state generated 5,970 mw as against the demand of 6,018 mw by evening. Though there is a shortage, the government is still dilly-dallying on making it mandatory for private power producers to supply electricity to the state grid,” an energy expert said.
Mr Shridhar Prabhu, a well-known advocate in the power sector, said that consumers have been requesting Bescom and KERC over the last several years to announce power cut schedules so that they can plan their days.
"But we are still far away from achieving it. Though Bescom came out with a power shutdown schedule, it has not helped majority of the people. At this juncture, it is important for KERC to encourage participation of the public in power related issues. The debate can also decide on share of power for each sector. Even now, the commission can hold a discussion,” Mr Prabhu said.
