No change in power tariff for using up to 40 units/month
The state electricity regulatory commission on Tuesday spared domestic consumers using up to 40 units of power per month from the tariff hike. Over 25 lakh families are expected to benefit from this decision.The tariff hike in the domestic category is up to 12%. While the commission made no changes in the tariff for power to traditional agriculture sector, it hiked the rates for industrial and commercial consumers by an average 7%. It also introduced a new tariff category for the IT and ITES sector, including Akshaya centres.Of the projected revenue gap of Rs 2,759 crore for 2013-'14, the commission approved a revenue gap of Rs 1,050 crore. With the changes in tariff, the board is expected to rake in an additional Rs 650 crore. The commission did not accept the board's demand for increase in fixed charges.Under the non-telescopic tariff, if the monthly power consumption of domestic consumers crosses 300 units, they will have to pay Rs 5 for every unit of power consumed. The rate would change to Rs 5.50/unit if the consumption level crosses the 350-unit mark. It would go up to Rs 6/unit if the consumption crosses 400 units and Rs 7/unit for 500 units a month.The price/unit will be Rs 2.20 up to 80 units for those consuming within 300 units a month. It will be Rs 3 for above 80 units. At present, there are six tariff slabs within the telescopic category and the highest price/unit within the system is Rs 6.50.This rate would be applicable only for 100 units of power consumed beyond the 200-unit mark.
