Power regulator
A major clarification has emerged from India’s power regulator, which has reworked the FY19 hydro shortfall computation for JSW Hydro Energy Ltd. The revised entitlement—Rs 20.36 crore—marks a Rs 6.27-crore reduction, following APTEL’s finding that the power regulator had inconsistently applied DSM offsets in earlier cases. By mandating uniform treatment, the remand forced CERC to recast the figures in line with current regulatory practice.
In the updated computation, the power regulator acknowledges that JSW Hydro injected 35.97 MUs of unscheduled DSM energy. Since DSM-settled injection is actual grid-delivered energy, it must be counted when measuring saleable output under hydro design-energy rules. This reduces the shortfall quantum from 152.80 MUs to 116.83 MUs.
The ruling directs JSW Hydro to refund the excess within one week, benefiting PSPCL and other state beneficiaries. Beyond the monetary impact, the power regulator has clarified a larger principle: DSM-accounted injections cannot be ignored in determining recoverable shortfall. This elevates consistency, predictability and regulatory discipline across hydro tariff cases.For observers tracking sector jurisprudence, the order positions the power regulator as aligning firmly with APTEL’s guidance on DSM-linked energy realism, Power Regulator, CERC Order, Hydro Tariff, DSM Adjustment, Energyline India.
