UPCL Seeks Approval For Additional Surcharge To Recover Fixed Costs From Open Access Consumers In Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has issued a public notice regarding a petition filed by Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL). The petition seeks the determination of an additional surcharge to recover the fixed costs borne by UPCL due to its obligation to maintain power supply arrangements for Open Access Consumers. This is in accordance with the UERC (Terms & Conditions of Intra-State Open Access) Regulations, 2015.

The application from UPCL was filed on June 28, 2025, and has been officially admitted by the Commission. As part of the process, UERC has instructed UPCL to publish a public notice about the petition within three days of receiving the Commission’s communication. This public notice must appear in at least two widely circulated newspapers, one in Hindi and one in English. The goal is to ensure that all stakeholders and members of the public are made aware of the petition and are given an opportunity to submit their views and suggestions.

UPCL has also been directed to make the petition available for public viewing. It can be accessed on UPCL’s official website and will also be available at its headquarters and other offices. This step is aimed at promoting transparency and encouraging public participation in the regulatory process.

The proposed additional surcharge is intended to be applicable for the period from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. According to the details submitted by UPCL, the average fixed cost at the State periphery has been calculated at Rs. 1.06 per unit. After factoring in the approved losses—1.40% for PTCUL (state transmission utility) and 13.00% for distribution—the fixed cost at the consumer end amounts to Rs. 1.24 per unit. Based on the reported stranded energy and open access energy, both recorded at 125.99 million units (MU), the proposed additional surcharge has been set at Rs. 1.24 per unit.

UERC has invited all interested stakeholders and members of the public to submit their comments or objections regarding the proposed surcharge. These can be submitted in person or sent by post to the Secretary, Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission, at Vidyut Niyamak Bhawan, Near ISBT, PO-Majra, Dehradun-248171. Comments can also be emailed to secy.uerc@gov.in. The last date for submitting feedback is August 18, 2025.