: The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has approved a hike in power tariff by 20 paise per unit in all retail segments except agriculture with effect from April 1.
Per unit tariff for agriculture consumers has been raised by 40 paise. “There is a marginal rise of 20 paise per unit for general consumers. Agriculture tariff has been raised by 40 paise per unit after 15 years,” OERC said in its tariff order for financial year 2015-16.
“The average rise in retail supply tariff for 2015-16 is 4.64 per cent over 2014-15. There was no tariff rise from 2001-02 to 2009-10. The tariff rise during 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 were 22.20 per cent, 19.74 per cent, 11.84 per cent and 2.40 per cent, respectively. There was no tariff rise during 2014-15,” said the Commission.
Consumers will be charged 250 paise per unit up to 50 units, 420 paise per unit for consumption above 50 units and up to 200 units, 520 paise per unit for the consumption above 200 units and up to 400 units and 560 paise per unit for the consumption above 400 units for the domestic category.
Similarly, the tariff hike in 2015-16 was also due to the increase in number of electricity consumers, inadequate generation of low cost hydro power to meet growing demands and rise in cost of coal and furnace oil, which ultimately led to increased generation cost, the Commission said.
According to the OERC, there is no change in Monthly Minimum Fixed Charge (MMFC) and Demand Charge and no change in meter rent.
Kutir Jyoti (BPL consumers) will pay Rs. 80 per month for consumption of 30 units per month for the FY 2015-16 instead of Rs.65 per month, the Commission ordered.
