Sasan: SC rejects stay on tribunal decision

Bhopal: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the decision of Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL), which decided in favour of Sasan Power on March 31, 2016, approving its claim that Unit 3 of Sasan UMPP began commercial operations on March 31, 2013. If the apex court rules in favour of the private power producer after subsequent hearings, the state will have to pay more than Rs 400 crore to Sasan.

"We are not aware of the order of Supreme Court yet. But Central Electricity Regulatory Commission in its earlier order said if Supreme Court has not decided the matter, the procurer states will have to pay the amount in three instalments of the 1/3 of the total amount on July 5, August 5 and September 5. We have moved APTEL against the order of CERC, the matter is pending in APTEL. Subject to APTEL's decision by July 5, if we are required to pay the amount we will pay. But if after later hearings, the SC decides in our favour, the amount can be recovered," Madhya Pradesh power management company managing director Sanjay Shukla told TOI.

In its March 31 order, the APTEL had upheld Sasan Power Ltd's commercial operational date (COD) claim that the first unit of 660 MW started its commercial operation on March 31, 2013 and directed procurers to pay Rs 1,050 crore to the UMPP.

Madhya Pradesh being the biggest procurer will have to pay more than Rs 400 crore.