Govt not to hike power tariff or surcharge

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress-led UDF government Thursday said it would not hike power tariff and surcharge during its remaining tenure.

Replying to a notice for an adjournment motion moved by the CPI-M led LDF opposition on the power situation in the state, Power Minister Aryadan Muhammed said government would not hike tariff and surcharge rates. Giving details of power situation, he said state used to purchase 700 to 800 MW of power from outside annually to meet the shortage.

As part of its programme to conserve power, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) would distribute two LED bulbs free of cost to all Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families,he said adding KSEB had also earmarked about Rs 350 crore to provide subsidy to consumers who use power below 125 units per month.

CPI-M deputy leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan brought to the notice of the house KSEB's move to hike power tariff and demanded that government desist from that attempt.