Though the process to revise power tariff has been set in motion by calling for objections from consumers to the hike sought by all the five electricity supply companies in the State, the exercise is expected to be delayed owing to the Lok Sabha elections.
According to sources in the power sector, tariff revision may happen only after the completion of the Lok Sabha elections as the model code of conduct that would come into force as soon as the poll notification is issued would come in the way of revising the tariff.
All the five Escoms filed petitions before Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on December 13, 2013 seeking a hike of 66 paise a unit for all consumer categories, barring irrigation pumpsets with a capacity of less than 10 hp and Bhagya/Kutir Jyothi consumers.
In the normal circumstances, KERC is required to pronounce its decision on the petitions within 120 days by eliciting the views of consumers and experts through public hearings and verification of all documents. Objections were invited from consumers on February 8 to the proposal.
While 30 days’ time has been given for filing objections, public hearings would normally commence a few days after this deadline ends.
Referring to this, sources in the power sector said that the process of pubic hearing itself may have to be put off if the Election Commission came out with the notification before the commencement of these hearings.
“Going by the indications that the poll notification may be issued in a month from now, it is almost certain that the process of tariff revision will have to wait till the completion of the elections. However, the formalities will go on till the Election Commission issues notification,” a senior power sector official observed.
The last tariff revision exercise too was affected by the Assembly elections as the KERC had to put off its order by a month till the completion of the elections following the Election Commission advice.
