Administrative Report

 

Preface

This is the second report on the working of the Commission has been prepared as required under Section 105 of the Electricity Act 2003. The Act aims to promote investment through private participation and also to provide the consumers with quality power and service. On one side it has opened up the door for the private investment by protecting the investment by grant of return on investment, on the other hand it protects the interest of the consumers by ensuring quality power at affordable price with better service and choice of source of power through open access. It is expected that the competition will bring better technology, improved service and above all reduced cost making the electricity cheaper.

The first Administrative Report covering the period from the date of its inception to 15th of August 2005 on the working of Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission was presented to the State Legislative Assembly on 15th of December 2005.This report covers the period between 15th August 2005 and 31st January 2007. The Commission is working to bring about the reforms in the power sector in the State of Jharkhand and in the short time it has received enormous support not only from the Government of Jharkhand and the licensees but also from the people of Jharkhand who are waiting for change in the power sector in Jharkhand to bring about the change for development and betterment in the region. The Commission joined hands with FF Power Conclave in organizing an International Conference on "Power Conservation" at Ranchi. The Commission is concentrating on consumer awareness programs. After getting Consumer Grievance Redressal Forums in position, the Commission has also appointed Electricity Ombudsman for Jharkhand, who too is operational since 5th September 2006.

 

                                                                                                                Sd/-
Ranchi                                                                                                    (S.K.F Kujur)
Dated   :                                                                                                  Chairman

 

Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission

JSERC was constituted by the Government of Jharkhand in August 2002 and was operationalised on 24th of April 2003 with the Chairman being administered the oath of the office. It functioned as a single man Commission at initial stage and from 9th of February 2005 it is functioning with Chairman and two members.

The Commission :

The Commission consists of:

Chairman : Shri S.K.F.Kujur

Member (T) : Shri P.C.Verma.

Member (Legal) Smt. Shakuntala Sinha

Secretary of the Commission is Shri A.K.Mehta.

Apart from the above the Commission is being assisted by one consultant Shri G.D.Sinha (IT & Energy Audit, till 16th of September, 2007) and other office support staff.

The Government of Jharkhand vide its notification dated 22.08.2002 laid down the function of JSERC as per Section 22 of The Electricity Regulatory Commission Act 1998 which has now became the part and parcel of Electricity Act 2003.

The functions of the SERCs are detailed in Section 86 of the Electricity Act 2003 which are as under:

a) determine the tariff for generation, supply, transmission and wheeling of electricity, wholesale, bulk or retail, as the case may be, within the State:

 

Provided that where open access has been permitted to a category of consumers under section 42, the State Commission shall determine only the wheeling charges and surcharge thereon, if any, for the said category of consumers;

(b) regulate electricity purchase and procurement process of distribution licensees
including the price at which electricity shall be procured from the generating companies or licensees or from other sources through agreements for purchase of power for distribution and supply within the State;

(c) facilitate intra-state transmission and wheeling of electricity;

(d) issue licenses to persons seeking to act as transmission licensees, distribution licensees and electricity traders with respect to their operations within the State;

(e) promote cogeneration and generation of electricity from renewable sources of energy by providing suitable measures for connectivity with the grid and sale of electricity to any person, and also specify, for purchase of electricity from such sources, a percentage of the total consumption of electricity in the area of a distribution licensee;

(f) adjudicate upon the disputes between the licensees, and generating companies and to refer any dispute for arbitration;

(g) levy fee for the purposes of this Act;

(h) specify State Grid Code consistent with the Grid Code specified under clause (h) of sub-section (1) of section 79;

(i) specify or enforce standards with respect to quality, continuity and reliability of service by licensees;
(j) fix the trading margin in the intra-State trading of electricity, if considered, necessary; and

(k) discharge such other functions as may be assigned to it under this Act.

 

(2) The State Commission shall advise the State Government on all or any of the following matters, namely :-.

(i) promotion of competition, efficiency and economy in activities of the electricity industry;

(ii) promotion of investment in electricity industry;

(iii) reorganization and restructuring of electricity industry in the State;

(iv) matters concerning generation, transmission , distribution and trading of electricity or any other matter referred to the State Commission by that Government.


Objectives for the Commission:.

To take measures conducive to development of electricity industry, promoting competition there in, protecting the interest of the consumers, rationalization of tariff and ensuring transparency in its functioning.

(a) Preparation of Regulations:

The Commission started preparing its Regulations by preparing and notifying the concept paper and inviting comments and suggestions, there after the Commission held public hearing. After this the draft regulations are published through its web-site and press notifications. After getting the comments and suggestions on the draft, public hearings were organized and then the regulations were finalized. So far, the following Regulations have been notified by the Commission:

JSERC (Conduct of Business) Regulation 2003,

JSERC (Delegation of Financial Powers) Regulations, 2003.

JSERC (State Advisory Committee) Regulation, 2003.

JSERC (Tariff) Regulation, 2003, replaced by JSERC (Terms and Conditions of

Thermal Generation Tariff) Regulations,. 2004,

JSERC (Terms and Conditions for Determination Tariff) Regulations, 2004,

JSERC (Guidelines for setting up of Consumers Grievance Redressal Forum and Electricity Ombudsman) Regulations, 2005.

JSERC (Open Access in Intra State Transmission & Distribution) Regulations 2005

JSERC (Terms and Condition for Distribution License) Regulation, 2005.

JSERC Electricity Supply Code, 2005.

JSERC (Distribution Licensees’ Standard of Performance) Regulation, 2005.

JSERC (Multi Year Tariff), Regulation 2007 ( in press for notification)

JSERC (Small and Mini Hydel) Regulation 2007 ( in press for notification)

JSERC Intra-State Trading License, Regulation, 2006.


(b) Transparency in the working of the Commission:

Public Hearings :

Electricity Act 2003 directs that working of the Commissions should be transparent. Public Hearing has been considered as one of the most appropriate method of transparency. Before any decision is taken by the Commissions, public hearings are organized to get opinions/ suggestions/ objections on the matter. All stake-holders are invited to these hearings. Thus public hearings have a special place in the working of Commissions to maintain transparency, exchange of thought and ideas, involvement of stakeholder including the consumers and openness. In line with this philosophy JSERC had been organizing public hearings at different places.

Dissemination of information :

The Commission makes available information to the public and stakeholders through press, website, and computer kiosk at Commission’s office (through touch screen). The information at Computer Kiosk is updated every week. In order to create public awareness regarding rights and duties of the consumers the Commission released advertisements in the newspapers as "Kya Aap Jante Hai?" series. Apart from this an organization was engaged for "Nukkad Natak" to perform at block levels. Commission also participated in getting seminars/ workshops organized on issues dealing with power industry.

Licensees

In the state of Jharkhand, following are the licensees (including deemed licensees):

Distribution: Jharkhand State Electricity Board, TATA STEEL( for the city of Jamshedput), SAIL( for the city of Bokaro) and DVC in the Damodar Command Area. Second Licensee: M/s JUSCO, a subsidiary company of M/s Tata Steel has been granted for distribution in the district of Saraikela-Kharsawan as a second licensee. After going through the laid down procedure as per the Regulation the License was granted on 1.12.2006 for 25 years.

Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) which was supplying electricity to the consumers in its command area at 30 kv and above came under the purview on Electricity Act 2003 and under it they have the obligation to follow USO. This led to having two distribution licensees in that area one the Board (which was distributing electricity below 30 kv) and DVC. Thus Jharkhand State has become the first state in the country to provide choice to the consumers with two distribution licensees operating in the same area.

Major generators in Jharkhand

Jharkhand State Electricity Board, TVNL, Tata Powers, DVC, and Bokaro Electricity Supply Co.

Apart from the above there are number of small generators generally captive in nature. The total install generating capacity in Jharkhand is as under:

POWER GENERATION IN JHARKHAND

* One 120 MW unit of Tata Power synchronized in November 2005

State Advisory Committee

The Commission constituted the State Advisory Committee as required under Section 87 of Electricity Act 2003, to advice it. The first SAC was constituted for a period of two years w.e.f. 20.11.2003.There were twenty one members in the Committee.

The objective of the SAC is to advice the Commission on:

(a) Major policy issues.

(b) Matter relating to quality, continuity and extent of service provided by the

licensee.

(c) Compliance by licensees with conditions and requirements of their license.

(d) Protection of consumer interest.

(e) Electricity supply and overall standard of performance by utilities.

The Second SAC was constituted on 2.8.2006 with the following members:

S/Shri

1. Secretary, Department of Energy, Govt. of Jharkhand Ex-Officio Member

2. Secretary, Dept of Food, Public Distribution & Consumers Affairs, Govt. Jharkhand

Ex-Officio Member

3. Chairman Jharakhand State Electricity Board,

4. Dr.S.K.Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor BIT, Mesra.

5. Shri R.P. Ritolia, CMD. CCL, Ranchi

6. Shri D. Rath, CMD, MECON, Ranchi.

7. Shri J.L.Mehta Director (Tech), Retd, NLC.

8. Shri Sanjiv Paul, MD, JUSCO, Jamshedpur.

9. G.S.N.Munda, MD. TVNL.

10. Shri Himanshu Kachchap, Retd, ADM, Ranchi

11. Prof. S.M.Wasi, Retd Prof (Economics)

12. Shri Tarkeshwar Singh, Deoghar.

13. Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce & Industries.

14. Shri Pradeep Kr. Bajla, President Santhal Pargana CCI, Deoghar.

15. Chief Electric Distribution Engineer, SE Railways Kolkata.

16. Shri Dhirendra Mishra, President, All India Chamber of Consumers, JSR.

17. Shri B.K.Singh President, Jharkhand Small Scale Industries Assn.

18. Society for Rural Industrialisation

19. Shri G.P.Dalmia, President, Jharkhand Small & Tiny Industries Assn.

20. Ms Tara Pathak, Shri Shri Narsingh Memorial Trust

21. Dr.(Col) William Tete, Simdega

22. Ms Roselin Lakra, Station Director (Retd) AIR, Ranchi.

23. Shri S.Baijal, GM, Tata Power, Jojobera.

The first meeting of this SAC (and the sixth meeting of SAC) was held on 21.9.2006. The Chairman JSERC chaired the meeting. The recent published

The Second SAC was constituted on 2.8.2006 with the following members:

S/Shri

1. Secretary, Department of Energy, Govt. of Jharkhand Ex-Officio Member

2. Secretary, Dept of Food, Public Distribution & Consumers Affairs, Govt. Jharkhand

Ex-Officio Member

3. Chairman Jharakhand State Electricity Board,

4. Dr.S.K.Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor BIT, Mesra.

5. Shri R.P. Ritolia, CMD. CCL, Ranchi

6. Shri D. Rath, CMD, MECON, Ranchi.

7. Shri J.L.Mehta Director (Tech), Retd, NLC.

8. Shri Sanjiv Paul, MD, JUSCO, Jamshedpur.

9. G.S.N.Munda, MD. TVNL.

10. Shri Himanshu Kachchap, Retd, ADM, Ranchi

11. Prof. S.M.Wasi, Retd Prof (Economics)

12. Shri Tarkeshwar Singh, Deoghar.

13. Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce & Industries.

14. Shri Pradeep Kr. Bajla, President Santhal Pargana CCI, Deoghar.

15. Chief Electric Distribution Engineer, SE Railways Kolkata.

16. Shri Dhirendra Mishra, President, All India Chamber of Consumers, JSR.

17. Shri B.K.Singh President, Jharkhand Small Scale Industries Assn.

18. Society for Rural Industrialisation

19. Shri G.P.Dalmia, President, Jharkhand Small & Tiny Industries Assn.

20. Ms Tara Pathak, Shri Shri Narsingh Memorial Trust

21. Dr.(Col) William Tete, Simdega

22. Ms Roselin Lakra, Station Director (Retd) AIR, Ranchi.

23. Shri S.Baijal, GM, Tata Power, Jojobera.

The first meeting of this SAC (and the sixth meeting of SAC) was held on 21.9.2006. The Chairman JSERC chaired the meeting. The recent published
 

"National Policy on Rural Electrification" was introduced. The Chairman detailed the salient features of the policy. The Franchisee system to be adopted for the rural area was explained by the Secretary, Energy. The representatives of Jharkhand Small Scale Industries wanted to know, if the rural area has been declared as required under Electricity Act 2003. The Secretary, Energy confirms that the same has been done. The Secretary, Energy inform that the rural area which will be connected with the grid and which will be covered only by the non-conventional energy/decentralized distribution system that has not been notified. Keeping this view of the grid connectivity the delay project report has been prepared for the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidutikaran Yojna. The representative from JUSCO commented that the system of working out the commission for the franchisees appeared very complicated, to which the Secretary, Energy informed that the system will work on the basis of the energy recorded in the meter of the distribution transformer. It was also clarified that the franchisee and the licensee will be covered under the universal service obligation.

Shri Tarkeshwar Singh pointed out that lot of Rules and Regulations were made but it is not being implemented on the ground. He was of the opinion that the work which is being done by DVC and NTPC for the Rural Electrification are of the old technique. It is not clear that why the new technique is not been implemented. The Secretary, Energy informed the Members about the future programme of generation in Jharkhand. One of the Members wanted to know whether the State can reclaim the Central allocation which the State had surrendered its part share during its formation. The Members express the view that during the puja temporary connection are given; the same should be given with meter. One of the Members suggested that the entire Government department must pay their electricity bill in time. The representative of the South Eastern Railway has raised the issued about its tariff. The Chairman clarified that while fixing the tariff the interest of the railway was also kept in view but no points were raised by railway during the tariff determination.
 

The second meeting of SAC was held on 04.01.’07 and it discussed the tariff petition of the Board for the revision of its tariff. The Members wanted to know the latest position of the rural electrification in the state. Shri S.Tripathy, the then Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Jharkhand, explained the entire procedure that has been adopted and also gave the details as how the rural electrification is to proceed. One member objected to the Board’s filing the tariff petition as per Electricity (Supply) Act 1948 instead of under Electricity Act 2003 and the Regulations issued under it and suggested to reject the petition. The Board had submitted the petition without any certified accounts. It was explained to the members that the provisional accounts were submitted which have been accepted by the Commission subject to the accounting figure being checked and verified by the Commission through Chartered Accountant. Members expressed the views that the reduction in DVC’s tariff should be taken into account by the Commission. Some members expressed concerned about the increase in the fixed charges for the HT consumers. They opined that the charges for the consumption of electricity should be charged as per the meter. Members objected to provision of Rs.60.00 crores for creation of Pension Fund. On interest repayment the members wanted to know the details of the loans. Representative from the Railways wanted to purchase power from other than JSEB as it was very costly. Members expressed concern over the non-action by the Board on the directions given to it by the Commission. When metering issue was raised the representative of the Board informed the members that all single phase supply would be metered by March 2007.

Coordination Forum

The Government of Jharkhand constituted the Coordination Forum as required under Section 166(4) on Electricity Act 2003. The Chairman of the Commission is the Chairman of the Coordination Forum. Coordination Committee met twice. As a few members of the Co-ordination Forum have retired and new members in their place have to be nominated by State Government.

Tariff Setting

(1) Jharkhand State Electricity Board:

Jharkhand State Electricity Board filed its ARR and petition for tariff determination for the year 2003-’04 in August 2003. The Commission after completing all the requirements approved and notified ARR and the tariff effective from 01.01.2004in December 2003. Despite repeated reminders the Board failed to file ARR and tariff petition there after. The tariff approved for the tear 2003-’04 continued because of Board’s failure to file tariff revision petition. At specific direction of Ministry of Power, Government of India, Board filed its tariff revision petition but without the proper accounts on 1.9.2006. After the receipt of the provisional accounts (as submitted to the Accountant General) the Commission allowed the Board to notify the petition calling for the objections/comments/ suggestions subject to the accounts figures being got verified by Charted Accountant by the Commission. There after the Commission held Public Hearing at Chaibasa, Medininagar (Daltongunj), Dhanbad, Dumka, Hazaribagh and Ranchi. In all 21 categories of objections were filed by 59 objectors. About 450 persons attended the hearings.

After considering the petition, the documents provided, accounts submitted, Commission’s appointed auditor’s report, Accountant General’s comments, the view expressed during the hearings and the discussions held with the Government, the Commission issued the Tariff Order on 31st of August 2007. The Commission approved gross AAR of Rs. 1503.68 crores against projected ARR of Rs. 2534.48 crores. The Commission followed the norms notified and also took into consideration the balance available with the Board as per the Accounts submitted.

Government of Jharkhand have decided to unbundled the Board as per the provisions of Electricity Act 2003 and unbundled utilities are likely to in operation shortly. There will be four companies as under:

Jharkhand Vidyut Vikas Nigam (Holding Co.)

Jharkhand Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (Generation Co.)

Jharkhand Vidyut Sancharan Nigam (Transmission Co.)

Jharjhand Vidyut Vitran Nigam (Distribution Co.)


Tenughat Viydut Nigam Ltd (TVNL)

TVNL is a Government of Jharkhand’s undertaking generating electricity. TVNL filed its petition on 7th September 2005 for setting revised generation tariff for the year 2005-06. The Commission visited the plant along with its consultants and advisers. No comments/objection was filed by any one. There after the public hearing was held on 28th of January 2006 and the tariff order was issued on 30.03.2006 effective from 01.01. 2006.

The Commission approved a tariff of Rs. 1.90/unit consisting of Rs. 1.05 / unit as fixed charges and Rs.0.85 /unit as variable charges.

TVNL filed the petition for the revision of generation tariff on 06.07.2007 for the year 2007-08 and issued the public notice on 01.09.2007.The Commission noted that TVNL did not file its petition for the year 2006-07 when it was operating at more than 73% of plf but file the petition for the year 2007-08 only when one of its units was shut down. Public hearing was held by the Commission on 03.11.2007. After the scrutiny and analysis the Commission issued the Tariff Order on 03.01.2008 and fixed the fixed charges at Rs. 1.17/unit and variable charges at Rs.0.88/unit amounting to Rs.2.05/unit.

M/s TATA Powers in Jamshedpur is generating and supplying electricity to TISCO (Distribution Licensee), the Commission has asked M/s TATA Powers to file its petition for getting the generation tariff determined by the Commission as per Section 62 (1) (a). M/s TATA Powers filed its petition on 16th of May 2007 and have yet to submit all the clarification and the accounts.

Grant of License

Licensees

The most important entity in the state is the Jharkhand State Electricity Board. The Board has been granted permission by Central Government and State Government to function as State Transmission Utility and a Licensee up to 29.02.2008.

M/s TISCO was granted permission by then Government of Bihar (1923) to distribute electricity in Jamshedpur city. M/s TISCO applied for distribution license for the same area under Electricity Act 2003, Commission granted the license after following the due process. . M/s TISCO filed its petition for ARR and tariff revision in June 2005 and revised its petition in September 2005.The hearing was organised in Jamshedpur on 20th of December ’05 and the tariff order was issued on 30.03.2006. .

M/s SAIL, Bokaro who was permitted to distribute electricity in Bokaro city by then Government of Bihar, applied for the distribution license under the new Act and the

same was granted by Commission after following the due process. SAIL has filed its petition for the approval ARR and its distribution tariff for Commission’s approval on 27.02.2007, as the petition was filed without supporting accounts and other data, the petitioner was asked to provide all the required data as per the regulation of the Commission and also provide the accounts. SAIL failed to provide the required details including accounts and details of power purchase, Commission after granting time proceeded to determine the distribution tariff suo moto.

M/s DVC had been fixing the tariff on its own as per the provisions of DVC Act 1948. The tariff setting by DVC was challenged by the Board to which the Commission directed DVC to get their generation tariff fixed by CERC and thereafter its distribution tariff by JSERC for its area in Jharkhand. DVC had filed its petition for ARR approval and tariff fixation before CERC. CERC after completing the processes notified the generation tariff and transmission charges on 3rd October 2006. The order of CERC has been challenged before Appellate Tribunal and the same is still being heard.

JUSCO :

Jamshedpur Utilities Service Company (JUSCO):

JUSCO, a subsidiary company of TISCO had applied for the grant of 2nd license for distribution in the district of Saraikela-Kharsawan under Section 14 of the Act (Provisio 6). After following the due process the Commission granted JUSCO the said license. Thus in that district there would be two distribution licensees and the consumers will have the choice to select their distribution licensee. JUSCO have started giving connection from October 2007. For the time being, as required under the Act the Commission have fixed the ceiling for the tariff on ad-hoc basis and asked JUSCO to submitted the required details so that final order can be issued.

Activities of the Commission in brief

Framing of Regulations: 2 Regulations were notified by the Commission.

ARR filed: Five.

Tariff notified: 4 Provisional orders have issued passed in view of

Order of Appellate Tribunal, 1 final Tariff Order

issued.

Public Hearing organised: 14

Hearing on petitions: 54

There are five distribution licensees in Jharkhand including DVC in its command area in Jharkhand. The distribution tariff determination got delayed as all the licensees are purchasing power from DVC and DVC’s generation tariff determined by CERC has been challenged before Appellate Tribunal. Appellate Tribunal has recently allowed determining the distribution tariff of JSEB, SAIL, Bokaro, TISCO and JUSCO provisionally.

Important decisions of the Commission

1. The Commission granted second license for distribution of electricity to M/s JUSCO in the district of Saraikela-Kharsawan where the Board is already distributing electricity.

2. The Commission directed the Board to provide electrical connection to the applicants (cases came from rural areas) who had deposited with the Board money asked for, for the new connection in the year 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, as per the provisions on the Act and the regulations made there under. Board has provided connections to such applicants in 9 villages to 209 applicants.

 

3. The Commission issued an interim order while deciding a case of dispute between the generator and the distribution licensee to pay M/s DVC the cost of power purchase as per the tariff determined by CERC, which has been challenged by DVC before the Appellate Tribunal but CERC’s order, has not

been stayed. On the petition filed by DVC against this order the Appellate Tribunal, after hearing all parties has remanded the case to CERC with its comment, the decision of the Hon. Appellate Tribunal has been challenged by different parties in the Supreme Court.

4. The Board had given more discount as power factor than what as approved in the Tariff Order; it approached the Commission for the clarification. The Commission informed the Board that Tariff Order was very clear and if the Board was giving more than what was approved then no interest or penal charge could be recovered from the consumers on this account.

Orders/Regulations of the Commission challenged in Court

Order    

Grant of open access to M/s TISCO on JSEB’s transmission line

JSEB has challenged the order on the ground that the Commission had no authority to grant the access as the Board enjoyed the protection under the law since it was constituted under Electricity Supply Act 1948.

Pending for hearing.

After CERC notified the generation tariff, DVC filed an appeal against it before the Appellate Tribunal. Since the order of CERC has not been stayed, the Commission passed an interim order on the petition of JSEB to pay at the rate fixed by CERC.

DVC filed an appeal against the order of the Commission before the Appellate Tribunal.

This appeal has been tagged with the main appeal filed
by DVC against CERC’s orders fixing generation tariff of DVC. But the Appellate Tribunal allowed the Commission to fix the
distribution tariff of JSEB, JUSCO, TISCO and SAIL/BSP provisionally.

M/s CCL and DLF filed joint petition for fixation of the generation tariff. Commission had fixed the tariff as per the agreement between both the parties. M/s CCL had filed a petition before the Appellate Tribunal against the Commission’s order.

Hon’ble Tribunal had held that Commission had no jurisdiction to fix the tariff but the tariff so determined would be treated as an award of an Arbitrator. M/s DFL filed an appeal against the order of the Tribunal in the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court has ordered to get the capital cost fixed by M/s Ernst & Young and thereafter the tariff to be determined by the Commission.

M/s TISCO, a distribution licensee, filed an appeal against DVC, an electricity generator, against the demand of DPS, when TISCO was allowed to pay the arrears on account of fuel surcharge fixed with retrospective effect, in 6 instalments without attracting DPS. Later DVC withdrew the concession and charged DPS.

Commission held that
payment was allowed without attracting DPS as per DVC’s own orders; it was not payable till the date the concession was withdrawn.

DVC filed a petition before the Appellate Tribunal, which held that the period for which the arrear bill was raised was old when the Commission was not in position hence it was
outside its jurisdiction.
TISCO has filed a petition before the Supreme Court against this order.

Supreme Court’s order is awaited.

Jharkhand Induction Furnace Association filed a petition against the order of JSEB raising bills on account of load factor rebate, which was allowed by the Board though the same was not permissible as per the Tariff Order. Commission ordered that the load factor was admissible only as per the Tariff order and loss sustained by the Board was on its account and hence consumers could not be
penalised by charging interest or DPS on that.

The Jharkhand Induction Furnace Association filed an appeal before the Appellate Tribunal stating that the clarificatory letter issued by the Commission amounted to amending the Tariff Order without hearing the appellant, the Commission could not have adjudicated the dispute because it was simple billing dispute, the clarificatory letter did not mention the category of HTSS and as such the billing to HTSS consumers was improper and the bills raised after 1 ½ years were barred by the provisions of limitation as contained in Section 56(2) of Electricity Act 2003.

The Appellate Tribunal after hearing dismissed the appeal filed by the appellant.

M/s Bihar Foundry & Castings Limited and 12 others had filed a petition for setting aside the order issued by DVC charging increase in fuel cost surcharge. The Commission held that the Appropriate Commission has not approved fuel cost surcharge and hence DVC on their own cannot charge the increase in fuel cost surcharge from the consumers.

DVC filed an appeal before Hon. Appellate Tribunal challenging the order of the Commission.

The appellant withdrew the appeal.

Altogether 14 Members of Jharkhand Induction Furnace Association filed writ petitions individually before the Jharkhand High Court challenging the order of JSEB raising bills on account of load factor rebate, which was allowed by the Board though the same was not permissible as per the Tariff Order.

The Hon’ble High Court heard the parties and reserved the judgement.

The Hon’ble High Court (single bench) dismissed the case.
The case was taken as LAP to Division Bench, the same was also dismissed.

Tariff Order (provisional) for the year 2006-07 for the JSEB issued by Commission has been challenged by the Board before the Hon. Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that:
(i) One Member had not signed the Tariff Order.
(ii) Truing up for last three
years not approved.
(iii) Interest as asked for not allowed.
(iv) Commission restricted the power purchase cost and did not allow what DVC billed.
(v) Disallowance of total generation cost of PTPS.

Hon. Appellate Tribunal heard the appeal and also heard the Commission’s response. Now that DVC’s appeal against CERC’s order dated 3.10.2006 has been finalised, status of the present provisional tariff order will be heard by The Appellate Tribunal on 28th January 2008.

 

The order issued detailing the methodology for consumers shifting from existing distribution licensee to second in the same area was challenged by JSEB before the Appellate Tribunal.

Hon. Appellate Tribunal disposed off the appeal after allowing 30 days before issue of NOC by the existing distribution licensee ( it was 15 days).  

Some other important decision of the Courts:

In a PIL case Hon. Jharkand High Court has directed (by order dated 09.01.2008) the Commission to call for application for supply of electricity in the town of Ranchi. In compliance of the said order the Commission has invited the application for which the last date has been fixed to receive the response as 29.02.2008. Central Electricity Authority will be assisting the Commission in this case.

Accounts

(As certified by CA)
The Fund rules which are required to be notified by the State Government is still to be notified. The Commission prepares its budget and forwards the same to the Government of Jharkhand. The State Government approves the fund for the Commission and same is received by the Commission by bank draft. The Commission has been preparing its accounts as per the proposed fund rules and getting audited by a Charted Accountant Firm. In absence of the Fund rules the Accountant General has not audited the annual Accounts.

The accounts of the Commission for year 2005-’06 and 2006-07 are as under:
 

2005-06

   
JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION    
     
RECEIPT & PAYMENT ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31.03.2006    
     

AMOUNT
(Previous Year)

RECEIPTS

AMOUNT
(Current Year)

AMOUNT
(Previous Year)

PAYMENT

AMOUNT
(Current Year)

  TO OPENING BALANCE : 2,119,713.00

BY SALARIES &
ALLOWANCES

3,540,487.00

-

CASH IN HAND

-

859,347.00

BY TRAVELLING
EXPENSES (Office)

855,213.00

1,178,050.00 CASH AT BANK 1,929,141.24 169,280.00 BY ADVERTISEMENT
EXPENSES

179,926.00

      160,350.00 BY HIRE CHARGES OF CAR

 301,200.00

      61,689.00 BY LEGAL EXPENSES

 2,850,502.00

  TO RECEIPT FROM CONSOLIDATED   50,638.00 BY OFFICE EXPENSES

65,086.00

9,500,000.00 FUND OF JHARKHAND STATE 11,000,000.00 626,366.00 BY RENT, RATES & TAXES

611,748.00

      138,143.00 BY TELEPHONE EXPENSES 233,355.00
  TO OTHER RECEIPTS FROM   2,400.00 BY ADVANCE TO
EMPLOYEE
 75,366.00
  -    

 (Schedule : 5)

 
  -   2,156,483.00 BY CONSULTANCY CHARGES (Paid to TERI) 2,873,095.00
- JSEB FOR TARIFF  SETTING - 8,338.00 BY BOOKS AND PERIODICALS 48,610.00
- TVNL FOR TARIFF SETTING 600,000.00 191,640.00 BY OIL AND FUEL 336,827.00
- EARNEST MONEY 26,000.00 28,839.00 BY HIRE CHARGES OF GENERATOR  
 19,788.00 SALE OF TARIFF BOOK  7,841.00 993,490.00 BY MEETING & CONFERENCE EXP 45,182.00
 66,336.04  INTEREST ON  DEPOSITS 113,831.00 7,619.00 BY POSTAGE & COURIER & EXP 9,056.00
2,100.00 PETITION FEE 8,000.00 23,507.00 BY PRINTING EXPENSES 30,138.00
15,535.00 INSURANCE CLAIM RECEIVED - 176,953.00 BY REPAIR & MAINTENANCE 114,796.00
260,200.00 MISC. REVENUE  RECEIPTS   60,296.00 BY STATIONARY EXPENSES 62,341.00
  (Schedule : 2)   70,722.80 BY OTHER ITEMS OF PAYMENT 1,591,456.00
- FINE FROM JSEB 100,000.00   (Schedule : 1)  
- TARRIF FEES 1,900,000.00

-

BY TERM DEPOSIT

5,000,000.00

  (Schedule : 3)    

-

 
- LICENCE FEES 3,200,000.00   PURCHASE OF :  
  (Schedule : 4)   723,189.00 COMPUTERS -
- ANNUAL LICENCE FEES 300,000.00 201,301.00 FURNITURES & FIXTURES 23,623.00
      282,564.00 OFFICE EQUIPMENTS 246,798.00
     

-

VEHICLE -
           
        BY CLOSING BALANCE  
        CASH IN HAND  
        CASH AT BANK  
      419,485.20 ALLAHABAD BANK (A/C NO. 1625) 624,776.20

 

      1,509,656.04 SBI (AGO COMPLEX A/C NO.1199)

526,713.04

           
           
           
11,042,009.04   20,246,474.24 11,042,009.04 - 20,246,474.24
-
                                       AS PER OUR SEPARATE REPORT
                                ON EVEN DATE
 

PLACE : RANCHI                                                        R.RANJAN & CO.

DATE :15.07.2006                                                          COST
                                                                              ACCOUNTANTS

 
                                                      Sd/-
 
                                          RAKESH RANJAN
 
             (PARTNER)  


 



 

 
           
           
AMOUNT EXPENDITURE AMOUNT AMOUNT INCOME AMOUNT
(PREVIOUS YEAR)   (CURRENT YEAR) (PREVIOUS YEAR)   (CURRENT YEAR)
2,375,431.00 TO SALARIES & ALLOWANCES 3,590,511.00 9,500,000.00 BY RECEIPT FROM CONSOLIDATED  
859,347.00 TO TRAVELING EXPENSES (Office) 855,213.00   FUND OF JHARKHAND 11,000,000.00
169,280.00 TO ADVERTISEMENT EXPENSES 179,926.00      
184,650.00 TO HIRE CHARGES OF CAR 302,100.00      
61,689.00 TO LEGAL EXPENSES 2,855,502.00      
50,638.00 TO OFFICE EXPENSES 65,086.00   BY OTHER RECEIPTS

 

 
672,345.00 TO RENT, RATES & TAXES 616,748.00   JSEB FOR TARIFF SETTING  
144,948.00 TO TELEPHONE EXPENSES 262,331.00   TVNL FOR TARIFF SETTING 600,000.00
2,156,483.00 TO CONSULTANCY CHARGES  (Paid to TERI) 2,873,095.00   TARIFF FEES 26,000.00
8,338.00 TO BOOKS & PERIODICALS  48,610.00 19,788.00 SALE OF TARIFF BOOK 7,841.00
209,966.00 TO OIL & FUEL 339,270.00 66,336.04 INTEREST ON DEPOSITS 113,831.00
28,839.00 TO HIRE CHARGES OF GENERATOR

-

2,100.00 PETITION FEE 8,000.00
993,490.00 TO MEETING & CONFERENCE EXP. 45,182.00 15,535.00 RECEIPT FROM INSURANCE CLAIM  
7,619.00 TO POSTAGE & COURIER & EXP. 9,056.00 260,200.00 MISC. REVENUE RECEIPTS 1,061,661.00
23,507.00 TO PRINTING EXPENSES 30,318.00   (Schedule : 2)  
176,953.00 TO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE 114,796.00

-

FINE FROM JSEB 100,000.00
60,296.00 TO STATIONERY EXPENSES 62,341.00

-

TARRIF FEES 1,900,000.00
78,436.80 TO OTHER ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE 1,599,084.00

 

(Schedule : 3)  
  (Schedule : 1)  

-

LICENCE FEES 3,200,000.00
        (Schedule : 4)  
923,848.37 TO DEPRECIATION 655,874.77

-

ANNUAL LICENCE FEES 300,000.00
           
           
677,854.87 TO EXCESS OF INCOME OVER 3,812,289.23      
           
           
           
9,863,959.04

-

18,317,333.00 9,863,959.04   18,317,333.00
           
      AS PER OUR SEPARATE REPORT ON EVEN DATE
           
           
           
PLACE: RANCHI     R.RANJAN & CO.  
DATE : 15.07.2006     COST ACCOUNTANTS
           
           
        Sd/-  
           
        RAKESH RANJAN  
           
        (PARTNER)  

 


 

 

  2005-06        
           
JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION    
           
BALANCE SHEET AS ON 31.03.2006      
           
AMOUNT LIABILITIES AMOUNT AMOUNT ASSETS AMOUNT
(Previous Year)   (Current Year) (Previous Year)   (Current Year)
           
  CAPITAL RECEIPTS     FIXED ASSETS  
           

-

OPENING BALANCE 4,548,848.52 2,976,149.28 (As per schedule 6) 2,590,695.51
  ADD: EXCESS OF INCOME 3,812,289.23      
4,548,848.52 OVER EXPENDITURE     INVESTMENTS  
           
4,548,848.52   8,361,137.75

-

FIXED DEPOSIT 5,000,000.00
           
       

-

 
        CURRENT ASSETS  
           
        CASH IN HAND

-

           
  CURRENT LIABILITIES & PROVISIONS     CASH AT BANK  

-

    419,485.20 A/C NO.1625 ALLAHABAD BANK 624,776.20
  PROVISIONS   1,509,656.04 S.B.I. A/C NO. 1199 526,713.04
7,714.00 AUDIT FEES 7,857.00      
           
24,300.00 HIRE CHARGES 25,200.00   LOANS & ADVANCES  
           
18,326.00 OIL & FUEL 20,769.00  

-

 
45,979.00 RENT,RATES & TAXES 50,979.00 2,400.00 ADVANCE TO STAFF 75,366.00
255,718.00 SALARY & ALLOWANCE 303,342.00   (Schedule : 5)  
6,805.00 TELEPHONE EXP. 35,781.00      

-

LEGAL EXPENSES 5,000.00      
  ELECTRICITY EXPENSES 7,485.00      
           
           
           
           
4,907,690.52   8,817,550.75 4,907,690.52   8,817,550.75
           
           
           
        AS PER OUR SEPARATE REPORT ON EVEN DATE
       
           
           
           
PLACE: RANCHI     R.RANJAN & CO.  
           
DATE : 15.07.2006     COST ACCOUNTANTS  
       
           
           
      Sd/-  
           
      RAKESH RANJAN  
           
      (PARTNER)  


 




 

  2005-06        
           
JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION    
           

RECEIPT & PAYMENT ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.03.2007

     
           
AMOUNT LIABILITIES AMOUNT AMOUNT ASSETS AMOUNT
(Previous Year)   (Current Year) (Previous Year)   (Current Year)
- -

-

- - -
           
  TO OPENING BALANCE

 

  3540487.00 BY SALARIES & ALLOWANCES 4428253.00

NIL

CASH IN HAND   855213.00 BY TRAVELING EXP. (office) 2015202.00
1929141.24 CASH AT BANK 1151489.24 179926.00 BY ADVERTISEMENT  EXP. 862406.00
  ‘TERM DEPOSIT 5000000.00 301200.00 BY HIRE CHARGES OF CAR 387647.00
      2850502.00 BY LEGAL EXPENSES 1032402.00
  TO RECEIVED FROM CONSOLIDATED   65086.00 BY OFFICE EXPENSES 67476.00
11000000.00 FUND OF JHARKHAND STATE 12000000.00 611748.00 BY RENT , RATES & TAXES 760323.00
  TO OTHER RECEIPT FROM :—   233355.00 BY TELEPHONE EXPENSES 331685.00
0.00 JSEB FOR TARIFF SETTING   75366.00 BY ADVANCE TO EMPLOYEES 107441.00
600000.00 T.V.N.LTD. FOR TARIFF SETTING   2873095.00 BY CONSULTANCY EXP (Paid toTERI) 1669840.00
26000.00 EARNEST MONEY   48610.00 BY BOOKS & PERIODICALS 31702.00
7841.00 SALE OF TARIFF BOOK   336827.00 BY FUEL & OIL 360565.00
113831.00 INTEREST ON BANK
DEPOSIT
317809.00 0.00 BY HIRE CHARGES OF GENERATOR 13500.00
8000.00 PETITION FEES 932000.00 45182.00 BY MEETING & CONFERENCE 339162.00
0.00 INSURANCE CLAIM RECEIVED   9056.00 BY POSTAGE & COURIER EXP. 12250.00
6561661.00 MISC. REVENUE RECEIPT 2629095.00      
  ‘(AS PER SCHEDULE -4)        
           
  CASH AT BANK :—        
0.00

 

S. B. I. A/C NO. 1199 6336.96   ( As per schedule - 3 )  
        BY PURCHASE OF :—  
     

0.00

COMPUTERS 138212.00
      23623.00 FIXTURE & FURNITURE 159592.00
      246798.00 OFFICE EQUIPMENT 350141.00
      0.00 VECHILE 0.00
        FLEXI FIXED
DEPOSIT
1000000.00
        BY CLOSING BALANCE :-  
      0.00 CASH IN HAND  
      624776.20 ALLAHABAD BANK A/C NO 1625 617815.20
      526713.04 S. B. I. A/C NO. 1199 0.00
      5000000.00 TERM DEPOSIT 5000000.00

-

 

-

-

   
           
20246474.24   22036730.20 20246474.24   22036730.20
           
=   = =   =
           
           
         
    AS PER OUR SEPARATE REPORT ON EVEN DATE  
           
           
           
        R. RANJAN & CO.
        COST ACCOUNTANTS  
           
           
  PLACE :- RANCHI     RAKESH RANJAN
  DATE :— 31.07.2007     ( Partner )


 



 

JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION
SAINIK MARKET , MAIN RD. , RANCHI

           
  INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.03.2007

-

-

-

-

-

-

AMOUNT

EXPENDITURE

AMOUNT

AMOUNT INCOME AMOUNT
(Previous Year)   (current Year) (Previous Year)   (current Year)

-

- - - - -
3608137.00 TO SALARIES & ALLOWANCES 4574998.00   BY RECEIVED FROM CONSOLIDATED  
855213.00 TO TRAVELING EXP. (office) 2021477.00 11000000.00 FUND OF JHARKHAND STATE 12000000.00
179926.00 TO ADVERTISEMENT EXP. 862406.00      
302100.00 TO HIRE CHARGES OF CAR 396647.00   BY OTHER RECEIPT FROM :—  
2855502.00 TO LEGAL EXPENSES 1074382.00 0.00 JSEB FOR TARIFF SETTING  
65086.00 TO OFFICE EXPENSES 67476.00 600000.00 T.V.N.LTD. FOR TARIFF SETTING  
616748.00 TO RENT , RATES & TAXES 789998.00 26000.00 EARNEST MONEY  
262331.00 TO TELEPHONE 330226.00 7841.00 SALE OF TARIFF BOOK  
2873095.00 TO CONSULTANCY EXP (Paid toTERI) 1669840.00 113831.00 INTEREST ON DEPOSIT 317809.00
48610.00 TO BOOKS & PERIODICALS 31702.00 8000.00 PETITION FEES 932000.00
339270.00 TO FUEL & OIL 377910.00 0.00 INSURANCE CLAIM RECEIVED  
0.00 TO HIRE CHARGES OF GENERATOR 13500.00 6561661.00 MISC. REVENUE RECEIPT 2629095.00
45182.00 TO MEETING & CONFERENCE 339162.00   ( Reimbursement Of exp. )  
9056.00 TO POSTAGE & COURIER EXP. 12250.00      
30318.00 TO PRINTING EXPENSES 36682.00      
114796.00 TO REPAIR & MAINTENANCE 281206.00      
62341.00 TO STATIONARY EXPENSES 88840.00      
1599084.00 TO OTHER ITEM OF PAYMENT 1968365.00      
655874.77 TO DEPRECIATION TO EXCESS OF INCOME 526623.44      
3794663.23 OVER EXPENDITURE 415213.56      
           
-   - -   -
18317333.00   15878904.00 18317333.00   15878904.00
=   = =   =
           
      AS PER OUR SEPARATE REPORT ON EVEN DATE
           
           
        R. RANJAN & CO.
        COST ACCOUNTANTS  
           
           
  PLACE :- RANCHI     RAKESH RANJAN
  DATE :— 31.07.2007     ( Partner )
           

 



 

JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION
SAINIK MARKET , MAIN RD. , RANCHI

           
 

BALANCE SHEET AS ON 31.03.2007

AMOUNT

LIABILITIES

AMOUNT

AMOUNT ASSETS AMOUNT
(Previous Year)   (current Year) (Previous Year)   (current Year)
- - - - - -
  GENERAL FUND :—     FIXED ASSETS :—  
4548848.52 OPENING BALANCE 8361137.75 2590695.51 ( As per schedule - 1 )  
  ADD EXCESS OF INCOME        
3812289.23 OVER EXPENDITURE 415213.56   INVESTMENT  
8361137.75

-

8776351.31 5000000.00 FIXED DEPOSIT 5000000.00
        FLEXI FIXED DEPOSIT 1000000.00
        CURRENT ASSETS , LOAN & ADV. :—
  CURRENT LIABILITIES &
PROVISION :—
    CURRENT ASSETS  
7857.00 AUDIT FEES 7865.00 0.00 CASH IN HAND  
25200.00 HIRE CHARGES OF CAR 34200.00   CASH AT BANK :—  
20769.00 OIL & FUEL 38114.00 624776.20 ALLAHABAD BANK A/C NO 1625 617815.20
50979.00 RENT , RATES & TAXES 80654.00 526713.04    
303342.00 SALARIES & ALLOWANCES 444587.00      
35781.00 TELEPHONE EXPENSES 34322.00   LOAN & ADVANCE  
5000.00 LEGAL EXPENSES 5000.00 75366.00 ADVANCE TO STAFF 107441.00
7485.00 ELECTRICITY CHARGES 9843.00   ( As per schedule - 2 )

 

 
  S. B. I. A/C NO. 1199(O/D) 6336.96      
-   - -   -
8817550.75   9437273.27 8817550.75   9437273.27
=   = =   =
           
           
           
        R. RANJAN & CO.
        COST ACCOUNTANTS  
           
           
  PLACE :- RANCHI     RAKESH RANJAN
  DATE :—31.07.2007     ( Partner )
           

 



 

FORUM ON REGULATORS (FOR)

Government of India notified the formation of Forum of Regulators (FOR) under the provision .of Electricity Act 2003. The Chairman of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission is the Chairman of FOR. FOR’s first meeting was held in Delhi on 28th of April 2005. During the meeting, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission interacted with the Members of FOR. There after FOR meeting is being held regularly in which National Policy, cost of grid power issues of common interest were discussed. In the second meeting of FOR the Secretary, Ministry of Power stressed on implementing Open Access as provided in the Act and bring in captive capacity available to grid. Members brought to the notice that the rules framed and notified by the MOP on constitution of Grievance Redressal Forum were contrary to the provisions of the Act and the machinery would become ineffective.

Forum of Indian Regulators (FOIR)

The 6th annual general body meeting of the Forum of Indian Regulators (FOIR) was held in Delhi on 8th of June 2005. During the meeting the delegates from United State Energy Association (USEA), Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and USAID were also invited, they also gave some presentation they spoke about the partnership program with the regulators in India. The Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission shared the experience with the Regulators of India. He made a brief presentation on consumer’s choice in Open Access and distribution in the State of Pennsylvania, USA.

Shri Gajender Haldea while making a presentation on the issue on cost of traded power urged the Regulators to exercise the powers under the Electricity Act effectively to restrict the rising cost of traded power.

The 18th general body meeting of FOIR was held on 1st and 2nd of December 2005 in Bubneshwar, Orissa. Measures to be taken by all the SERC’s towards educating

the consumers were discussed and it was decided to launch a sustained campaign to educate the consumers about their rights and the following methods were proposed to be adopted:-

i) Involvement of NGO’s in the campaign.

ii) Advertisement and publicity through news papers.

iii) Printing of important matters and distribution of pamphlet.

iv) Talk session in television and radio.

v) Seminar and workshop

vi) Banners and hoardings.

vii) Website.

viii) Call centre

ix) Involvement of professional from advertising agency like institution of mass

communication etc.

The opinion of the Attorney General in the credit power was discussed and it was decided that all the Regulatory Commission would submit there own view points before the Appellate Tribunal. The formulation of the Open Access regulation was also discussed it was clarified by many of the SERC’s that the Open Access regulation were already notified.

The 7th Annual General Body meeting was held in Delhi on 15th of June 2006. In this meeting Consumer Advocacy was discussed and a sub-committee was formed to study and to make recommendation. Elections of Governing Body members were approved. The Chairman, JSERC was approved to be a Member of the Governing Body w.e.f. 07.07.2006, there after as Hon. Vice Chairman w.e.f. 24.03.2007 and as Hon. Senior Vice Chairman w.e.f. 02.05.2007. Intra-State ABT was discussed and decided that all SERCs will come out with their consultation paper. Draft report on Models of Rural Electrification was also discussed for which M/s Ernst & Young made presentation. A Task Force already constituted was, required to go into the report and make recommendation. Shri P.C.Verma, Member (Tech) JSERC was a member of the said Task Force.

The 19th General Body was held at Surajkund, Faidabad on 12-14th of January, 2007. The report and the recommendations of the Task Force on Models of Rural Electrification and Sub-Committee on Consumer Advocacy were discussed. Status of metering, implementation of intra-state ABT, separation of Transmission and Trading as required under the Act was discussed. Report of Abraham Committee was also discussed.

20th General Body meeting of FOIR was held at Ramnagar, Uttrakhand on 9th and 10th of April.. The recommendation of the Group accepting the report of the consultant and decided that SERCs could advice the State Government based on models suggested. Regarding the consumers’ advocacy it was decided that each SERC should study the subject on its own. It was further resolved that studies on estimation of loss in distribution and estimation of agriculture consumption should not be perused through FOIR. Members also raised the difficulties faced by the consumers due its being located in Delhi.

The eighth Annual General Body meeting was held in Delhi on 7th of June 2007


The 21th general body meeting of FOIR was held on 4-5th October 2007 at Ahmedabad.

Training/ Participation in Workshop/conferences/meetings

The Chairman, Members and other officers of the Commission had been attending Seminars/ workshops/conferences/ Training programs organized by Forum of India Regulators, Confederation of India Industries, Independent Power Producers Association of India, The Energy and Resources Institute, National Thermal Power Corp., Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd, South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation etc.

Smt. S.Sinha Member (Legal) attended the Core program organized by SAFIR at Agra. Smt. Sinha and Shri P.C,Verma, both members of the Commission visited Sril Lanka to study the small/mini hydel system there.

Shri S.K.F.Kujur the Chairman Shri Kujur attended the 12th Steering Committee meeting of South Asia Forum of Infrastructure Regulation (SAFIR) held in Lahore, the 13th Steering Committee of SAFIR held at Paroo (Bhutan) and 14th meeting held at New Delhi. Shri Kujur attended the World Forum of Energy Regulators held in Washington DC in October 2006. Shri Kujur attended the PURC/World Bank’s program on Utility Regulation and Strategy organized by University of Florida in June 2007. On being invited as a member of Indian Delegation to the World Energy Congress held at Rome in November 2007, Shri Kujur attended the same.

The Commission assisted in organizing International workshop and conference on "Conservation of Energy", "Energy Efficiency and Conservation".

Future plans of the Commission

1. The Commission will render advice the State Government in implementing

the decision taken and notified by the Government of India after the conference of State Energy Ministers and the Chief Ministers.

2. The Commission will advice the State Government in restructuring the power sector in the State and also assist in monitoring its progress.

3. The Commission has indicated earlier in this report will assist in getting the new connection to the applicants if that is being delayed by the licensees.

4. The Commission proposes to implement the Multi Year Tariff from the next tariff settings the problem face so far by the Commission has been non- submission of certified accounts by the licensees and the non availability of the reliable data.

5. The Commission will continue to create awareness among the people/consumers
regarding their rights and duties.

6. The Commission will ensure that provisions of the Standard of Performance Regulation are implemented and if the distribution licensees fail to implement they will penalized.

7. The Commission will organize the 22nd FOIR meeting at Ranchi on 29 February- 1 March 2008.