MSEDCL proposes power tariff hike

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited has sought a hike in power tariff and a public hearing on the proposal will be organised by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission on July 25 at Council Hall.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has sought a hike in power tariff and a public hearing on the proposal will be organised by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) on July 25 at Council Hall.

MSEDCL Pune division chief engineer S P Nagtilak said the proposal has been submitted to the MERC,which will conduct public hearing at various places,including Pune. Suggestions and objections to the proposal will be invited before taking the final decision.

The proposal,which seeks to hike the tariff by 15-18 per cent,has already invited objections from various sections,including Sajag Grahak Manch which has planned a signature campaign against it. The proposal is unjust. The MSEDCL has not made efforts to collect the pending dues. Instead,the utility has proposed the tariff hike, said Sajag Grahak Manch president Vivek Velankar.

In its statement on its website,the utility has stated that measures are being taken to ensure adequate recovery of fixed costs from all consumers. While an average 15-18 per cent rise has been sought from domestic consumers,the utility has also proposed an overall 100-300 per cent increase in fixed demand charges and energy charges from all categories of consumers.

At present,existing charge per unit for those consuming electricity between 0-100 units is Rs 3.49 while the proposed rate is Rs 4.67 per unit.

For those consuming electricity between 101 and 300 units,the present charge is Rs 5.86 per unit and the proposed rate is Rs 6.58.

Consumption of electricity between 301-500 units costs Rs 8.05 per unit and the proposed rate is Rs 8.57.

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories