open access in indian power sector - opportunity assessment and implementation
DESCRIPTION
"NTPC, the country's largest generation utility, reported a drop in plant load factor (PLF) due to idling of nearly 5,000 MW capacity (including 2,000 MW of gas-based and 3,000 MW ofthennal power)." Business Line "Country's peak power deficit in the month of January, 2014 is 5,378 MW" Central Electricity Authority The two statements when observed in isolation, are mutually contradicting to each olher in evaluating the power scenario of the country. But the scenario is not completely assessed. The poor financial health of the distribution utilities is not allowing them to buy power from the ge nerating utilities, resulting in load shedding and power cuts for all its users. The users include domestic, commercial and industri al. The unavailability of power to the industries not only affects the production of the speci fic industry but also results in poor GDP, which is an index of the financial co ndi tion of the country. This poor financial health of the co untry is again leading to the in-abil ity of the consumers to pay electricity bills and the vicious circle forms. The best antidote for the problem is Open Access of electricity for the industries (Bulk Consumers). This helps the industries to procure power un -interruptedly, resulting in beuer production and thus leading to increase in the financial health of the country. Open Access in electricity is not only a reliability for the industries but also a commercially benefitt ing tool. Open Access consumers can save al least 7 paisa and up 10 Rs. l.72 per unit and opportunity cost of not having power is totally eliminated. This report is a guide for bulk consumers in assessing the cost benefit analysis of Open Access and also discusses the issues in the implementation of Open Access.TRANSCRIPT
