Rural power traiff may see a hike soon

The revision in coal prices by Coal India Ltd may lead to an increase in electricity tariffs in rural Bengal. “The revision of coal price may impact the rural customers by 35-45 paise a unit in state-owned distribution areas. The current average unit price is Rs 6.11,” a senior officer of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company said. The impact is likely to take place from June and is expected to be reflected from the next month. However,CESC consumers in Kolkata and Howrah may be impacted marginally as the power utility uses higher grade coal for its plants. The CIL increased the coal price by 10 per cent for lower grades of coal. Most of the power plants consume lower grade coal.