The Maharashtra Government has been talking of freeing the State of load shedding. But the Maharashtra Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd (MSEDCL) does not seem to have got the message. When the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (MERC) requisitioned a roadmap in this direction, MSEDCL gave a plan for increasing load shedding. Now they say they are reworking the plan.

Pratap Hogade, president of the Maharashtra Veej Grahak Sanghatana, has pointed out that the circular submitted by MSEDCL seeks to increase load shedding instead. “The MSEDCL should have submitted details of demand, power availability and ways to reduce demand and supply gap. But it has given a divison of the State into six groups with respect to distribution commercial losses (DCL),” Hogade said.

According to the circular, Group A, B and C won’t face load shedding while Group D, E and F will be subjected to load shedding based on feeder lines. In case MERC gives its nod to the proposed plan then Group D, E and F will have to bear the extra burden of the load shedding free groups. The areas falling under these groups will get electricity for only 8-10 hours a day which is against the principle of proportional and equitable distribution of electricity.

In Pune, the MSEDCL has adopted selective load shedding pattern in areas like Bund Garden, Nagar Road and Yerwada divisions where arrears are worth Rs 6.25 crore. The circular also seeks to increase load shedding in these areas of the city. MK Deore, director (Operations) of the MSEDCL, refused to comment on Hogade’s observation .

“We are formulating a fresh plan for making the state load shedding free. It will be ready before August 15. We are also committed to making Maharashtra load shedding free by Dec 2012,” Deore said.