Private power transmission companies move CCI, regulator against power grid pricing

NEW DELHI: Private power transmission companies have written to the Competition Commission of India, Comptroller and Auditor General and power regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, alleging predatory pricing by Power Grid Corp (PGCIL) in the midst of auctions of some Rs 9,000-crore projects.

Companies have alleged that the central utility has unfair competitive advantages given its access to low-cost funds and government support. Private companies want PGCIL to be barred from crosssubsidising competitive tariff projects with the help of low-cost, AAA-rated debt raised through its cost-plus assets, and separation of central transmission utility role