Pay more for electricity from April

KERC increases tariff by 13 paise for all consumer categories

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Monday increased power tariff by an average of 13 paise for all consumer categories, barring irrigation pump sets with a capacity of less than 10 HP and Bhagya/Kuteer Jyothi consumers.

This is to bridge revenue deficit of all five electricity supply companies (Escoms) in the State.

The new rates announced by a three-member quasi-judicial body, led by former bureaucrat M.R. Sreenivasa Murthy, will come into effect from April 1.

There is some solace for domestic consumers as there will be no increase in tariff for consumption of first 100 units.

Though the average hike stands at 13 paise across the board, the actual increase for individual consumer categories ranges from 10 paise to 35 paise a unit depending on their consumption.

Tariff petitions

The hike comes in the wake of tariff petitions filed by Escoms in December 2014, seeking an increase of 80 paise a unit. Though the hike is marginal, it is the seventh in the last five-and-half years.

The previous one was in May 2014, when the tariff was increased by an average of 32 paise a unit. Small hospitals and educational institutions coming under the Low Tension category and temporary connections have been spared from the hike.