Lucknow: The application for a parallel electricity distribution licence for a Noida data centre park submitted by Adani Energy Solutions Step-Eleven Limited (AESSEL) has entered the public consultation stage, with UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) inviting comments and objections as the commission examines the proposed licence area and the status of requisite approvals.In its Aug 5 order, the UPERC, led by its chairman Arvind Kumar, directed AESSEL and Adani Energy Solutions Limited to publish a public notice and invite comments and suggestions within 30 days. The application seeks a distribution licence for supply of electricity within the data centre park being developed by DC Development Noida Ltd.During the proceedings, Adani told UPERC that it had received a letter of comfort (LoC) for one plot in Sector 62, while LoCs for two adjoining plots were still being processed. It also proposed plots C-24 to C-30 in Sector 80 for another data centre facility.However, UPERC said the licence process would, for now, cover only those areas where the required approvals and LoCs were already in place. Other areas could be considered later once the formalities were completed.UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad (UPRVUP) chairman and state advisory committee member Avadhesh Kumar Verma said the public consultation should examine whether legal availability of the plots, rights over land and certainty of the area of supply satisfy the requirements for the licensing process.Power employees’ body opposes proposalThe Vidyut Karmchari Sanyukt Sangharsh Samiti UP led by Shailendra Dubey has also opposed Adani’s proposal for a parallel distribution licence for the Noida data centre park. “If large consumers such as data centres move to private parallel licensees, existing public discoms such as PVVNL could lose high-revenue consumers, affecting their revenue and financial position,” said Dubey.The comments and objections received during the 30-day period will form part of the regulatory process before UPERC takes the application further.
