Upward revision of power tariff likely

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Bhubaneswar: Here is an unpalatable news for the electricity consumers in the state. The power tariff, which was raised last April 1, may again go up if the Orissa Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) issues orders in favour of the power transmission and distribution companies.
The power producing and transmitting companies like GRIDCO have filed review petition before the OERC seeking tariff hike. The Commission would hear the pleas of the companies August 16 at 11 am.
Wary of an increase in power tariff, the Orissa Electricity Consumers’ Association (OECA) said it would oppose the move in this regard before OERC.
‘‘The state government run companies such as GRIDCO, Orissa Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL), Orissa Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) and Orissa Power Grid Corporation (OPGC) have sought a tariff hike. The tariff is likely to increase due to flawed policies of the government. We strongly object it,’’ said the association president Ramesh Chandra Satpathy said.
Satpathy also said the association would oppose it during the hearing also. The association alleged that the companies have sought a hike of `2 per unit.
Commenting on the issue, Energy Minister Prafulla Mallik said, “As the corporations are independent agencies, they have filed review petitions. However, no decision on tariff hike has been yet been taken so far.”
The tariff was revised upwards last time by 1.44 per cent with effect from April 1, 2017. There was no rise in tariff for beneficiaries of Kutir Jyoti, domestic consumer having consumption of up to 50 units and power used for agricultural activities. The tariff was raised 10 paise per unit for most retail consumers.
At present, the tariff for domestic consumption of 50 units is `2.50, for 100 units the price is `3.40, `3.85 for power up to 200 units, `4.33 for 201-300 units, `4.58 for up to 400 units and the rate for 500 units is `4.80. PNN