Discoms challenge Andhra Pradesh HC order on panel formation

VIJAYAWADA: The special committee ordered by the High Court to look into the alleged curtailment of renewable power generation in Andhra Pradesh, is yet to be constituted with the State power utilities challenging the court’s directive, it is learnt. The hearing on the same is said to be scheduled on February 19.

The state is contending that the Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO), one of the existing petitioners, could not be a part of the committee as ordered by the court. For the record, the High Court, while hearing petitions filed by a few solar and wind generators against the state authorities over discoms’ inability to pay dues and the curtailment of power, ordered that a special panel be formed by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) with technical experts from Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and POSOCO. In its interim order dated January 27, the court also said that the report of the committee has to be submitted within four weeks. However, sources said the State filed the petition challenging the same.