To counter the stance of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), energy experts and associations in Maharashtra are gearing-up to oppose any review of the tariff order for control period of 2025-30 passed by Maharashtra Energy Regulatory Commission (MERC). R B Goenka, a well-known energy analyst, said that he has submitted his petition to MERC against MSEDCL petition for staying the new tariff order. Besides, Goenka revealed that two more industry associations are also going to submit their say against MSEDCL’s attempt to negate the pro-consumer tariff order of MERC. The stay on new tariff for control period of 2025-2030 MERC stumped the analysts, as it is for first time such an occurrence has taken in the history. Goenka said it was quite surprising that MERC gave stay without even hearing the petition of MSEDCL.

 

As to contention of Discom about errors on face of record, it’s quite illogical as there are ruling of Supreme Court that “When exhaustive hearing have taken place, then it cannot be said to have error in face of order”, he added. The energy expert has cited two Apex Court rulings and also of the Tribunal to counter MSEDCL stance in his petition. Mahendra Jichkar, also energy expert, accepted that MSEDCL utilised the clause relating to review to seek rehearing in the tariff order as the Discom’s contention is that the calculations on part of MERC had some errors. Now what is needed is that MERC should not go for entire re-exercise of hearing out all those who were earlier heard during MSEDCL’s tariff petition while deciding the review. In single hearing, the issue should be settled so that new tariff implementation should not get delayed. But Goenka said nothing can be definite as nearly 4,400 people had filed their objections against MSEDCL’s original petition and called for lowering of tariff. MERC, after lengthy hearing, ruled that MSEDCL would be having surplus and hence ruled for lowering of tariff.

 

The new tariff was to come into effect from April 1 onwards but since MSEDCL got the stay, the old tariff would continue for the current month, till MERC decides the Discom’s objection. Goenka further said that Discom has sought time to file its review petition and till then asked for stay on notification of new tariff order and that was granted by MERC. All this happened with speed which was quite fast. In fact, the very contention of MSEDCL is illogical since MERC arrived at conclusion after lengthy hearing, and the Quasi Judicial body went into all aspects before arriving at conclusion that Discom would be left with surplus revenue and there is no need for any further tariff hike.