UERC Approves ₹15.77 Crore ARR For Uttarakhand SLDC, Sets ₹54,197/MW Charges For FY27

The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has issued an important order dated March 30, 2026, concerning the functioning and finances of the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) of Uttarakhand. The order mainly covers three areas: the final financial true-up for the financial year 2024–25, a performance review for 2025–26, and the approval of the Revised Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) for 2026–27.

The State Load Despatch Centre is the key body responsible for managing the state’s power system. Since becoming operational in November 2012, it has played a crucial role in ensuring smooth and secure electricity operations across Uttarakhand. Its main functions include scheduling and dispatching electricity, monitoring the grid, and maintaining records of power transmission. Although the SLDC is still not a fully separate legal entity from the Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited, it has started maintaining separate audited accounts as part of a process called ring-fencing.

From a financial perspective, the Commission has approved a total ARR of ₹15.77 crore for the SLDC for the financial year 2026–27. This ARR determines the charges that power generators and licensees must pay for using the transmission system. Based on a projected peak load of 2,910 MW, the Commission has fixed the annual SLDC charge at ₹54,197 per MW.

The order also highlights the SLDC’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its infrastructure. A major investment has been made in a Data Visualization Platform at the Dehradun control room. This project, costing ₹2.45 crore, includes a modern 4K UHD laser-based video wall, which is expected to improve monitoring and response during grid disturbances. However, the Commission pointed out that the SLDC has a tendency to overestimate its capital expenditure in initial projections. This can lead to higher costs being passed on to consumers. To address this issue, the Commission has directed the SLDC to prepare more realistic and achievable plans in the future.

On the operational side, the SLDC is planning to strengthen its workforce. As per national guidelines for medium-sized load dispatch centres, it has proposed a total manpower of 103 positions. The Commission has stressed the importance of timely recruitment to ensure efficient grid operations and better system reliability.

In addition, the Commission has issued several directions to improve transparency and accountability. The SLDC has been asked to regularly submit detailed reports on the Load Despatch Centre Development Fund and update the progress of its ring-fencing efforts. Overall, the order aims to ensure that while the SLDC continues to modernize and improve its operations, the costs remain fair and justified for electricity consumers in the state.