Discoms seek ERC nod for surcharge on open access consumers

The Telangana power distribution companies TGSPDCL and TGNPDCL have petitioned the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) to levy an additional surcharge of Rs 0.59 per unit on open access consumers. The move follows the government’s cancellation of night allowance for such consumers.

Hyderabad: The TGSPDCL and TGNPDCL are gearing up to levy an additional surcharge of Rs.0.59 per unit on open access consumers. Accordingly, the two Discoms have approached the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) seeking approval.

This comes close on the heels after the State government cancelled the night allowance for open access consumers. If the ERC grants permission, open access consumers would have to bear an additional burden until the first half of 2026-27 (January to June).

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Open access consumers, mostly industrial and commercial consumers, have the provision to purchase electricity from the open market without being dependent on the Discoms. They buy electricity from the power exchange whenever it is available at a lower price. As a result, they do not use the electricity supplied by the Discoms.

This eventually is causing losses to the discoms and forcing them to back down power plants. Under these circumstances, the discoms are now gearing up to impose an additional cost on the consumers in the form of a surcharge to compensate for the losses.

The ERC will hold a public hearing on the petitions submitted by the Discoms on January 21, at its office in Erragadda.