Strict action against self-execution projects that violate KERC norms: Minister

Bengaluru: Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) will initiate strict action, in accordance with regulatory provisions, against Self-Execution (SE) projects that have failed to complete the mandatory electrical infrastructure within the stipulated timeline or have violated the provisions of the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), K.J. George, Minister for Energy and Tourism recently said.

In a press statement, the Minister said that under the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) Regulations dated January 12, 2006, Clause 3.2.4 (Self-Execution of Substations), projects with a sanctioned load exceeding 7.5 MVA are required to establish dedicated electrical infrastructure, including substations and associated electrical facilities, at their own cost before availing permanent power supply.

The objective of the Self-Execution framework is to ensure that the required electrical infrastructure is developed simultaneously with large residential and commercial developments.

This not only supports reliable power supply in rapidly growing urban areas but also prevents excessive loading on the existing electricity network and avoids unnecessary expenditure of public funds on infrastructure meant exclusively for private developments.

Around 45 such cases have already been identified in Bengaluru, and notices have been issued to the respective project proponents.

Penalties of 10 percent will be imposed in accordance with the applicable KERC Regulations In such cases. Where the mandatory electrical infrastructure is not completed within the stipulated timeline and such non-compliance results in transmission constraints at KPTCL substations, appropriate action, including disconnection of electricity supply, may be initiated in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory provisions to safeguard reliable power supply to the general public.

KPTCL has also identified projects that initially obtained approvals based on a sanctioned load below 7.5 MVA, but are presently drawing electricity beyond the approved sanctioned capacity without creating the corresponding electrical infrastructure.

Such instances place additional stress on the existing public power network and may adversely affect the quality, reliability, and stability of electricity supply to neighbouring consumers.

The matter has been discussed with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has directed the department to take appropriate action in the larger public interest.

Accordingly, the Minister has instructed KPTCL to undertake a statewide review and submit a comprehensive report identifying apartment complexes, townships, layouts, and other development projects that have exceeded their sanctioned electrical load without creating the mandatory electrical infrastructure.