Clarify on tariff revision schedule, HC tells KERC
The High Court of Karnataka has directed the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to file an affidavit substantiating its stand on extension of time to enable consumers file their objections to the recent proposal for tariff revision.
Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FKCCI) and a few consumers had moved the Court alleging that the escoms (energy supply companies) did not provide them 30 “working days” to file their objections during the hearing on tariff revision 2011.
The petitioners had contended it is mandatory to publish tariff revision notification inviting objections in two leading newspapers. The escoms violated the norms by not providing adequate time and hence the consumers were not able to file their objections.
According to the petitioners, the 30 “working days” stipulated by Bescom ended on September 14, whereas the KERC hearing was scheduled for September 12. While the KERC claims to have extended the period beyond September 12, the extension notification had not been published.
The petitioners had sought direction to quash the notifications issued by the escoms.
Justice Sridhar Rao directed the KERC to file an affidavit in support of its contention on extension of time.
