Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Monday increased the power tariff by an average 32 paise for all consumer categories, barring irrigation pumpsets with a capacity of less than 10 hp and Bhagya/Kuteer Jyothi consumers, to bridge the revenue deficit of the five electricity supply companies.
Though the average hike is 32 paise, the actual increase for individual consumer categories ranges from 10 paise to 50 paise a unit depending upon their consumption level.
The new rates announced by the three-member quasi judicial body, headed by M.R. Sreenivasa Murthy, have been made effective on May 1 retrospectively. This is the sixth tariff hike in the last four-and-a-half years.
The commission has also accepted a revenue deficit of Rs. 1,209 crore amounting to 24 paise a unit as “regulatory asset” to be passed on to consumers in the future years after considering the economic condition of the power companies. The tariff for domestic consumers has gone up by 20 paise a unit for consumption up to the first 30 units, while an additional 30 paise will be levied for consumption from the 31 unit to 100 units. The hike touches 40 paise a unit for consumption beyond 100 units.
The hike for private educational institutions and private hospitals vary from 30 paise to 50 paise a unit, while it is 30 paise a unit for commercial consumers.
The hike is 30 paise to 40 paise a unit for industries using Low Tension power, while it is 40 paise for those using High Tension power in urban areas and 35 paise in rural areas. Power tariff for LT and HT water supply has been hiked by 10 paise and 20 paise, respectively, while it is 50 paise a unit for temporary connection.
