Power consumption up 0.9% in the first half of September
Power consumption was up 0.9% in the first half of September as compared to the same period last year. This indicates that commercial and industrial activity is back to normal, pre COVID levels.
Power Minister R. K. Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, said power consumption had increased by 0.9% to 53.17 billion units (BU) during the period between September 1 and September 14, as compared to 52.68 BU in the same period last year.
DISCOMs’ outstanding dues rise 36% to 1.29 lakh cr in July
DISCOMs’ total outstanding due to Power Gencos have risen 36% year-on-year to Rs. 1.29 lakh crore in July 2020, from Rs. 94,704 cr in July 2019, reflecting the stress in the sector and its compounding due to COVID restrictions. This, according to the PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power Procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators) portal.
The total overdue amount, which is the amount not cleared after 60 days of grace period, stood at Rs 1,16,871 cr, as against Rs. 75,411 cr in the year ago period.