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MERC asks MSEB to clarify stand on DPC papers

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission has asked the Maharashtra State Electricity Board to prove the 'confidentiality' of the documents signed with the US energy major Enron-promoted Dabhol Power Company.

The regulator has given the board two weeks to take a decision on whether MSEB would be able to make public the documents.

Hearing a contempt petition filed by Pune-based consumer organisation Prayas, MERC asked MSEB to specify its stand on whether 'the regulator itself deemed fit to release the documents'.

Prayas has been recognised as a consumer representative by MERC under Electricity Regulatory Commission Act of 1998.

In its plea, Prayas has sought the status and copies of various power purchase agreements and related contracts or commitments signed by MSEB with independent power producers including DPC, in the state.

MSEB, in its argument, submitted that it would not be able to submit 'certain' documents as the US energy major had claimed confidentiality over them.

The regulator has also directed MSEB to file DPC's correspondence restricting the loss-making board from making the agreement document public.

The documents in question are both phase I & II of the $3 billion project, including details of the preliminary termination notice, the 20 year gas supply agreement and liquid fuel contract with Oman LNG, operation and maintenance records, construction contracts and fuel management.

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