Maha Discom has to do load shedding in the state due to heavy power shortage. For rationalizing the load shedding hours in various parts of the state, Maha Discom approached MERC for determining “Load-Shedding Principles and Protocol”. MERC held public hearings all over the state and finalized the Load Shedding protocol for Maha Discom in August 2005. The protocol determined division wise load-shedding hours based on the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (ATC) Losses in the division. However, when power shortage further worsened, MahaDiscom again approached MERC in December 2005 for revision in the earlier load shedding protocol. MERC held a public hearing at Mumbai and revised the load shedding protocol.  Prayas participated in both public hearings and demanded for a balance between economy and efficiency while dealing with power shortages. Prayas also focused on the need for a scientific demand forecast and capacity addition planning in the state.