Power tariff hike exempts villagers

The UP Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved an overall increase in average power tariff of 17.63 per cent with effect from October 1,but exempted rural domestic consumers,rural commercial consumers,farmers and urban domestic consumers from the hike.

The hike in tariff for commercial consumers is linked with their load. Power tariff has also been increased for power looms wherein rural consumers will pay Rs 4.97 per unit instead of Rs 4.21 per unit,and urban power looms will be charged Rs 5.85 per unit instead of previous Rs 4.95 per unit.

The UPERC has also increased the power tariff for private advertising glow signs,for public and private institutes,state tubewells,heavy power consumers and lift irrigation works. One-time charges for temporary connections for illumination and public address too have been increased from Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,500.

The BJP slammed the power tariff hike. “It will further burden the consumer who are already reeling under high price rise,” state BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpai said.