In a significant move to ensure operational transparency and financial accountability, power companies in Haryana have been directed to conduct a comprehensive third-party audit of all state-run thermal power plants. The directive, aimed at assessing technical efficiency and identifying leakages in the supply chain, comes at a time when the state is focusing on optimizing power production costs for the upcoming summer season.
The Scope of the Audit The audit will cover major thermal power stations, including those at Panipat, Yamunanagar (Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram), and Hisar (Rajiv Gandhi). The specialized third-party agencies will focus on several critical parameters:
-
Coal Management: Evaluating the quality and quantity of coal received versus power generated, aimed at detecting any potential theft or measurement discrepancies.
-
Operational Efficiency: Assessing the Heat Rate and auxiliary power consumption to ensure the plants are running at their peak designed capacity.
-
Environmental Compliance: Verifying the functioning of Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems and ash disposal mechanisms to meet the latest central pollution norms.
-
Financial Auditing: Reviewing the maintenance expenditure and procurement processes to identify areas for cost-cutting.
Why the Audit is Necessary The decision follows observations by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) regarding the rising cost of power generation. Officials noted that an independent audit would provide an unbiased view of the “health” of the plants, which internal audits might overlook.
-
Reducing Losses: By identifying technical flaws early, the state hopes to reduce the burden on consumers who currently pay for “inefficiency losses” through their electricity bills.
-
Preventive Maintenance: The audit reports will serve as a roadmap for the necessary repairs and upgrades required before the peak demand months of May and June.
Implementation Timeline The power companies have been given a strict timeline to empanel recognized auditing firms. The preliminary reports are expected to be submitted within the next 60 to 90 days. Failure to comply with the audit guidelines may lead to penalties or a freeze on tariff revisions for the concerned utility.
Expert Opinion Energy experts have welcomed the move, stating that third-party audits are standard global practices that force state utilities to be more competitive and transparent in their operations.
