Karnataka: Bescom tariff hike invites ire

Bengaluru: The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) filed objections before the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Monday against the Bescom's petition for a proposal to increase the power tariff hike.

A senior officer from FKCCI, who did not want to be named said, "Various objections were filed like one on Bescom wanting to increase power tariff hike to Rs 82 paise per unit. But there is no requirement to raise the price, rather they need to focus on the efficiency of power supply which is still lagging behind. There is no information provided by Bescom on measures taken to increase efficiency." 

 "In a petition filed by Bescom, it states that there is an increase in short term power purchase and the commission had approved the purchase at a cost of Rs 267 crores. But Bescom has been claiming that the cost of the short term power purchase is Rs 988 crores which is four times higher and there is no record to show that the commission had granted permission for the purchase." 

Revathy Ashok from BPAC also stated that “Bescom's Annual Revenue Requirement has gone up and the margins have increased. They want to increase the power tariff by 82 paise per unit, which is not required. Instead they will have to reduce the price, which would help the common man." 

"The Bescom should also furning complete details of the irrigation pump sets and the amount collected from the bills. They should provide accurate details," added Revathy.