Latest news with #DERC


New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
DERC announces amendment to norms for shifting lines, bus depot electrification
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has announced the Seventh Amendment to the Supply Code and Performance Standards Regulations, 2017, outlining a clear process for works such as shifting HT/LT lines and electrification of bus depots. These works are now to be divided into three broad stages — design and procurement, execution and installation, and testing, commissioning & handover. This structured approach aims to bring more clarity and accountability in implementing such government-backed projects. The DERC said that these changes were made based on directions from the Government of NCT of Delhi under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The amendment, which is now in effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette, introduces new provisions under Regulation 24 to address electricity-related infrastructure works carried out by distribution companies on behalf of the Delhi government.


Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Plans To Expand WTE Plants By 2027
New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has recently provided a status update to Delhi govt outlining the completion timelines for enlarging its waste-to-energy facilities at Tehkhand and Okhla by Dec 2027 and March 2027, proposed expansion, presented before chief minister Rekha Gupta, aims to process an extra 1,000 tonnes of fresh waste daily at each of the two landfills. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This will boost the total consumption to 3,000 tonnes per day, while boosting power generation to 45 megawatts per day at Tehkhand. At Okhla, with the expansion, per day consumption will increase to 2,950 tonnes and electricity generation of 40 MW per day," the report the Okhla waste to energy plant, environmental clearance has been granted and tariff rates approved by (DERC). The finalisation of a supplementary agreement with the agency will be done by Sept, subject to the sanction of viability gap funding (VGF) of Rs 50 crore from the ministry of housing and urban development. After signing the supplementary agreement, 18 months are required for commissioning the plant," the report the case of the proposed expansion of the Tehkhand plant, the civic body is waiting for environmental clearance and the issuing of the terms of reference by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change. The rest of the exercise, such as the determination of tariffs, will be done after environmental clearance is obtained, while the supplementary agreement will be finalised after the tariff is report also detailed various authorisations, both received and awaiting approval, for the new waste-to-energy installations at Narela and Ghazipur. These facilities are expected to begin operations by Nov and Dec 2028, respectively."Regarding Narela, we have signed a concession agreement and issued a letter for awarding work. However, a process for shifting transmission lines crossing the area is in progress, and as per Power Grid Corporation, 18 months will be required to complete the work. The construction work will start only after environmental clearance is obtained and other conditions fulfilled, tentatively by Dec 2026," the MCD report said. After that, it will take the MCD 18-19 months to commission the the WtE at Ghazipur, DERC approval for initiating the tendering process is pending, and the last hearing was held on May 1, 2025. Considering the plant is proposed to be established on land reclaimed after the flattening of the Ghazipur landfill, the civic body expects to flatten the site by June 2027 after processing around 85 lakh MT of waste. Thereafter, it will take 17-18 months for the civic body to commission the project, according to the MCD report.


Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lease, lies & power plays: DERC's Rs 2 lakh-a-month rent row sparks audit alarm
A controversy has emerged over the allotment of lease rent facilities to senior officials of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), with the Accountant General (Audit) raising serious concerns about procedural violations and potential misuse of public funds, reported TOI. #Operation Sindoor The damage done at Pak bases as India strikes to avenge Pahalgam Why Pakistan pleaded to end hostilities Kashmir's Pahalgam sparks Karachi's nightmare Former DERC member AK Ambasht has been specifically named in the audit findings. Ambasht, who served as a DERC member from December 30, 2019, to August 1, 2023, said he opted for the lease rent facility after receiving formal communication from the DERC secretary, and that the proposal was approved by the commission following 'due deliberations and discussions.' GIF89a����!�,D; Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The cost of hearing aids in Amritsar might surprise you! Learn More Prior to the lease rent option, Ambasht was entitled to a house rent allowance (HRA). However, according to TOI, an October 2024 audit report from the Accountant General stated that his appointment order clearly outlined eligibility for HRA at 30% of his basic pay for accommodation in Delhi, and explicitly stated that no house would be allotted. Live Events If a leased accommodation was to be availed, the entitlement was to be decided by the Delhi government, the report added. The audit flagged a September 30, 2021, office order in which the commission unilaterally approved leased accommodation for its chairman and members at a rate of Rs 2 lakh per month—without obtaining approval from the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi ( GNCTD ). "However, the commission, vide office order dated Sept 30, 2021, approved leased accommodation facilities to the chairman/members and determined an entitlement of Rs 2 lakh per month without the approval of GNCTD,' the report noted. "The same is in violation of Section 89 (1) of Electricity Act and Rule 21 (2) of the General Financial Rules. It is pertinent to mention that behind the veil of commission, it is the chairman and members of the commission who have approved leased accommodation facilities for themselves,' the audit further said. TOI further reported that the audit has recommended recovering the lease rent amount from Ambasht along with applicable interest, and called for similar scrutiny of other cases involving current or former members. In a February 3, 2025, reply to the audit, Ambasht denied any wrongdoing, saying he neither initiated nor drafted the lease rent proposal, said the TOI report. He clarified that he merely participated in commission discussions and gave his consent based on the agenda placed before the body."I have a limited role in the subject matter, being a part of the decision-making process of the commission. Further, I happen to be one of the beneficiaries of the aforesaid decision of the commission,' he wrote, accordin to the TOI report. Ambasht further claimed he was being unfairly targeted: "It appears that the case pertaining to the payment of the lease rent to me only was singled out and the same was placed before the audit with mala fide intentions by the officials of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission.' The Accountant General (Audit) has urged DERC to treat the matter seriously, investigate similar cases involving other officials, and report them to the GNCTD for possible action regarding misuse of power and public funds.


New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Delhi residents oppose hike in surcharge
NEW DELHI: Residents in Delhi are bracing for a steep hike in their electricity bills during the summer peak months of May–June, following a revision in the Power Purchase Adjustment Cost (PPAC). The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has approved a 7–10% increase, applicable to the capital's three major power distribution companies—BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL—to recover PPAC for Q3 of the 2024–25 financial year. As per DERC's latest order, BRPL will charge 7.25%, BYPL 8.11%, and TPDDL 10.47%—a disparity that Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) are questioning. The United Residents of Delhi (URD), an umbrella body of RWAs, alleged that the DERC panel did not follow proper procedure. 'We had great hope from the Commission that it will complete the work of tariff determination by following the prescribed procedure, but this Commission conducted a virtual public hearing where not enough time was given to the stakeholders to state their case,' said URD General Secretary Saurabh Gandhi. 'The process under which PPAC charges have been imposed on the people of Delhi by DERC is legally wrong,' he added.


Hans India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Power charges set to rise in Delhi
New Delhi: Residents of Delhi may soon face higher electricity bills as the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has approved an increase in Power Purchase Adjustment Cost (PPAC) rates. The decision is expected to impact consumers during the peak summer months, potentially tightening household budgets at a time of increased electricity usage. DERC has revised the PPAC charges for the quarter from May 9 to August 8, 2025. The overall PPAC rate has been set at 7.25 percent, up from 6.80 percent in the previous quarter. The revised rates vary across power distribution companies: BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) will levy a 7.49 percent charge, BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) will charge 8.11 percent, and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) will implement the highest increase at 10.47%.