HPSEB seeks hike in power tariffs

HPSEB,in its petition filed before Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) — which is the final authority to approve revised tariffs — has exempted Below Poverty Line (BPL) consumers from the hike. No increase has also been sought in tariffs for non-domestic,non-commercial (NDNC),commercial and street supply categories. Hike in rates has also been proposed for industrial consumers by at least 15 per cent,up to Rs 1.25 per unit.

The main grounds quoted by HPSEB in seeking revision of tariffs are increase in the cost of employees from Rs 729.65 crore to Rs 980.65 crore in 2010-11 and further to Rs 1069.14 crores by 2012,payment of salary arrears on account of 6th Pay Commission recommendations and other benefits,including medical reimbursements accruing to the Board employees — who number more than 20,000.

The HPERC sources said the consumers and other stake holders are free to send their objections against the petition,now posted on HPSEB’s website. After seeking replies from the Board,the Commission will hold hearings before finalisation of the revised tariffs by June 2011.

In the petition,the Board,which last year was bifurcated to form three separate companies with HPSEB retaining two functions of distribution and generation,says that salaries of employees were revised as per the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission with effect from January 1,2006,resulting in payments of arrears for the period of January 1,2006 to October 30,2009. The Board expects to pay about Rs 170 crore of arrears in the current year.

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