The managements of power utilities of Telangana (Discoms) have alleged that they were banned from participating in the day ahead market with the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) for procuring energy on the grounds of non-payment of dues to Gencos despite making payments.
“The National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) has imposed ban on our bidding (participation) in energy procurement without even reconciling the accounts with the Gencos concerned. We have cleared ₹1,360 crore out of ₹1,381 crore dues mentioned by the agency even before we were banned unilaterally,” a senior executive of one of the utilities said on Friday.
Even for the remaining amount, they could have a served a notice for payment. However, the NLDC had unilaterally decided to impose ban and it was very much unfortunate as the agency was acting beyond its mandate as per the Electricity Act, 2003, which is in force now. “As per the 2003 Act, the agency has to monitor and maintain only the grid discipline and it is not supposed to involve in any commercial activity such as its present unilateral decision,” the executive explained.
