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Nagpur: The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Merc) has admitted three petitions against extra load-shedding being done by state power distributor Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL). All petitioners, who include Pune- based consumer organisations Prayas and Sajag Nagarik Manch, have sought action under sections 142 and 146 of the Electricity Act against MSEDCL officers for violation of Merc's load-shedding protocol.

The first petition has been filed by the Thane Small Scale Industries Association (TSSISA). The association had sourced power for making Thane and Navi Mumbai loadshedding free. However, its calculations have gone haywire as MSEDCL has increased the quantum of load-shedding significantly and hence, more power is required for complete relief from load-shedding . The association has prayed that load-shedding be enforced according to Merc's protocol till the demand-supply gap is 4,500 MW. The petition will be heard on November 17.

Pune-based consumer organisations Prayas and Sajag Nagarik Manch have also filed a petition seeking action against MSEDCL officers for indiscriminate load-shedding . The two petitioners have prayed that the duration of scheduled power cuts be reduced in accordance with Merc's load-shedding protocol. According to the petitioners, Pune is also not able to get complete relief from loadshedding due to an increase in the duration of power cuts.

Another consumer activist , Pratap Hogade, too, has moved the commission. However , he has sought relief for all consumers in the state rather than those living in a particular city. Hogade has contended that MSEDCL has been reducing the duration of power supply to farmers and industries for supplying power to malls, multiplexes and builders.

Meanwhile, a Merc spokesperson told TOI that the commission would decide on MSEDCL's load-shedding protocol by November 14. Merc also has to file a reply in the Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court regarding the power situation in the state on November 14.

Merc had issued a loadshedding protocol on June 20 but MSEDCL has not implemented it claiming that it was not getting the desired load relief . The commission is yet to decide on the claim, which is the crux of the controversy.

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