Delhi residents to pick power suppliers

From July next year, commercial users will be able to choose their power supplier much like they choose their telephone services. From next month, Delhi consumers who utilize up to 5 megawatts of power will be able to buy it from the provider of their choice.


“We are confident that we will be able to retain customers. We look at open access as an opportunity,” said Lalit Jalan Chairman, BSES.


In fact one of the customers happens to be Delhi's chief minister. “Shall I be frank with you? I will choose NDPL any day,” said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.


However middle-class households might find migration a dead choice because they happen to be in the lowest consumption bracket. “The first premise of open access is that it must relate to the cost of supply,” said Anil Sardana Former CEO, NDPL.


From July, next year a block of apartments will be able to choose their supplier. Open access as it is called is enticing but people may not want to switch for the same reason that they do not change their cellphone services supplier. There are compatibility issues, but over time they might yet vote with their feet.


The distribution networks are currently not compatible with each other. They will also need huge investments, which might materialise with the commonwealth games.


“I have asked the distribution companies to upgrade their network for the commonwealth games when we will require 10,000 MW of power. If that happen, open access will be possible,” said Rakesh Mehta Principal Power Secretary, Delhi.


That will be the day when reforms could be said to have not only brought abundant power to the city, but also empowered the Delhi consumer who was at the mercy of the state owned monopoly just five-years-ago.