Tribunal favours petitioners in Rajasthan power surcharge row

23 Sep 2022 CW Team

The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) recently ruled that the state regulatory commission should revisit the subject of cross-subsidy surcharge on open access projects in Rajasthan as and when it takes up the tariff determination exercise in the future.

Rajasthan Textile Mills Association, Vedanta, Lord Chloro Alkali, Sunil Healthcare, Synergy Steels, Ambuja Cements, and Ultratech Cement had petitioned APTEL to assess the legitimacy of the state regulator’s determination of the cross-subsidy surcharge for the financial year (FY) 2016-17.

The petitioners have industrial units located in Rajasthan that have been granted open access within the contract demand and are drawing electricity through open access, including from power exchanges.

They challenged the state commission for hiking the cross-subsidy surcharge from Rs 0.18 ($0.002)/kWh, Rs 0.13 ($0.001)/kWh, and Rs 0.05 ($0.0006)/kWh for 132 kV consumers, 33 kV consumers, and 11 kV consumers to Rs 1.63 ($0.021)/kWh, Rs 1.39 ($0.017)/kWh, and Rs 0.83 ($0.01)/kWh.

The tribunal observed that the rates of cross-subsidy surcharge under the previous determination were Rs 0.18 ($0.002)/kWh for 132 kV consumers, Rs 0.13 ($0.001)/kWh for 33 kV consumers, and Rs 0.05 ($0.0006)/kWh for 11 kV consumers.

APTEL stated that the rates of cross-subsidy surcharge should not have been tampered with and it is unjust, unfair, and violates the prescribed norms and procedures and so it is set aside.

The tribunal directed the state commission to revisit the cross-subsidy surcharge when it takes up tariff determination in the future.

Resources

06 Jun 2025

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..