SRINAGAR, Aug 3: Power watchdog Central Electricity Regulatory Commission or CERC has summoned officials from Jammu and Kashmir for overdrawal of energy from the Northern Grid in violation of its orders.
Two days ago at least 22 states of the country suffered a power blackout as three major grids failed due to, what authorities said, was continuous illegal overdrawing by their respective states.
“In our order dated July 10, 2012, we had directed that it would be the personal responsibility of the officers in over all charge of the State Transmission Utilities/State Load Dispatch Centres to ensure compliance of our directions,” a local daily Greater Kashmir reported quoting the CERC order issued on July 30.
Officials from four other states have also been summoned.
“After hearing the petitioner and the representatives of the constituents of the Northern Region, we have come to the conclusion that some of the constituents of the Northern Region had resorted to over-drawal from the grid in violation of the regulations. Since the situation has not improved despite our directions, we direct the Officers-in-charge from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir to personally appear before the Commission on August 14, 2012,” the order said.
The summon, CERC said, has been forced after action upon a petition filed by Northern Regional Load Dispatch Centre (NRLDC) which had sought appropriate directions to the constituents of the northern region to curb overdrawing of power.
On July 10, the CERC had issued notice to Head of State Load Dispatch Centers, State Transmission Utilities and State Electricity Boards/ Distribution Licensees in the Northern Region as to why they would not be held personally liable for the penalty for non-compliance with the directions of the Commission.
