Power Tariff Revision: Objections galore

Thriruvananthapuram: Strong opposition is reported to have been raised to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) proposal for revisions in power tariff, with an increase in fixed charge together with usage tariff. On the whole the revised tariff is likely to add a heavy burden to the common man.

On Monday at the final hearing of the Regulatory Commission, demand was raised that there should not be any hike in tariff. The Commission is likely to take a decision by the end of this month, in such a way as to give effect to it from earl January.

The tariff increase proposed for the next two years is with a sop to the higher consumers' category and squeezing the common man and middle class. The proposal is to achieve a revenue increase of Rs 1,101.70 crore this year and of Rs 700.44 crore in 2020-21.

Tariff for domestic consumption is proposed to be increased by 10-80 paise per unit. This will mean that this year and the next, charges for those who consume upto 200 units will rise sharply. However, those who use 350 units and above will get a benefit of reduction by 5 paise per unit. And they will not have any increase next year either. The proposed revision is to reduce it from Rs 7.50 per unit to Rs 6.90, i.e. a relief by 60 paise per unit.

As for industrial consumers, the proposal is to reduce it by 50 paise, i.e. from Rs 5.50 per unit to Rs 5 this year, and further to Rs 4.50 per unit next year.

The package ofrevision also includes a stabstantial increase in fixed charges and demand rate from industrial consumers. Reducing tariff for industries and high volume users is against the policy of the left government, pleaded Dijo Kappan who appeared for domestic consumers.

Another respondent, Alexander from Pala pointed out that the private sector has arrears of 550 crore rupees and the Board should take steps to recover them.

In all, about hundred people informed the Commission their responses.