Special tariff for captive HT consumers?

Bescom says they use its power only as backup

Bescom is planning to introduce a special tariff for high tension (HT) consumers who procure power from other sources too to save money. Stung by a loss of Rs. 184 crore due to consumers leaving the grid, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) is planning to request Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to allow a separate tariff for consumers under the ‘captive’ category, who purchase power from multiple sources.

The proposal comes at a time when consumers are fretting over Bescom’s request for a hike of 80 paise per unit. At a public hearing organised by KERC, Bescom cited the loss caused by HT consumers leaving the grid as one of the reasons to justify the proposed hike.

Sources said at least 80 per cent of the HT consumers leaving the grid, albeit partially, come under the captive category (a group of consumers who have 26 per cent equity in the power plant and consume 51 per cent of the power produced). These HT consumers, especially in rural or semi-urban areas, are reportedly striking tie-ups, mostly with bagasse plant owners. Such consumers use power from Bescom only when they need to run their equipment at full capacity.

“Rest of the time, they draw power from other sources. We want to charge a separate tariff for them, as they use our resources as backup,” said a Bescom official.