The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has granted in-principle approval to the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) for an ₹8.16 crore power infrastructure development project aimed at strengthening electricity supply in the Khatima region of Udham Singh Nagar district.
The approved project includes the construction of five new 33 kV link lines and one 33 kV bay at the existing 33/11 kV Khatima Substation. The infrastructure will connect outgoing feeders from the substation to the newly developed 132/33 kV GIS Substation Khatima, constructed by Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL). The project is expected to reduce pressure on the already overloaded 132/33 kV Lohiahead Substation and improve the reliability of electricity supply to meet increasing regional demand.
The proposed network will involve a total line length of 5.15 kilometres. This includes 2.75 kilometres of overhead lines using steel tubular poles and 2.40 kilometres of underground cable installation. The project will be funded through a 70:30 debt-equity structure, with 70% of the investment expected to be financed through loans from institutions such as REC or PFC, while the remaining 30% will be supported by the State Government.
During its review of the petition, UERC raised concerns regarding certain technical and procedural shortcomings in UPCL’s submission. The commission noted that UPCL had opened financial bids before receiving formal investment approval, advising the utility to avoid such practices in future regulatory processes. The commission also pointed out errors and inconsistencies in the submitted documents and directed UPCL to ensure greater accuracy and verification before filing future petitions.
UERC further recommended that UPCL adopt centralized procurement methods for major equipment and materials instead of decentralized procurement to achieve cost efficiency, transparency, and better economies of scale.
The commission also highlighted concerns related to the sizing of underground XLPE cables proposed under the project. Based on projected loading requirements, certain cable configurations, including 3C x 400 sq.mm and 1C x 630 sq.mm cables, may exceed their permissible current carrying capacity. UERC warned that operation beyond thermal limits could lead to insulation damage, reduced equipment life, and possible system failures. UPCL has been directed to reassess cable specifications and ensure sufficient capacity for future load growth over the next five years while complying with Central Electricity Authority (CEA) safety standards.
The approval is subject to several conditions, including completion of the project within six months, execution through competitive bidding, and obtaining all required statutory clearances for railway and road crossings. UPCL must also conduct detailed route surveys, maintain safety clearances for overhead lines, and install appropriate protection and metering systems.
After completion, UPCL will be required to submit a detailed Project Completion Report covering final expenditure, technical details, and operational benefits. The commission stated that any failure to comply with approval conditions or submission of incorrect information could lead to cancellation of approval or rejection of related project costs during future tariff proceedings.
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