JOIN USIn his submission before the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seeking increase in power tariff by 88 paise per unit, Bescom MD P Manivannan said the demand for 24 hours power supply will require 48 per cent more power which would have to be purchased at a higher cost.
Manivannan said the power purchase cost too had increased by 48 per cent and pointed out that consumption upto 6 am was 1,000 megawatts (mw), but between 6 am to 8 am, the consumption rose to 1,800 mw.
Power generation does not match with consumption. Power generation costs vary during the day, as it is more expensive to purchase power during evening hours. “There are three options to manage the power situation –– purchase power at a higher cost, introduce load shedding and manage through exchange of power,” he said.
He said the Bescom has followed all the directions of KERC to increase efficiency. “The KERC had allowed 14.75 per cent loss, Bescom has reduced its loss to 15 per cent,” he said.
Kassia casts doubts
The Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (Kassia) expressed its doubt over Bescom’s submission regarding the energy growth stating that though the Escom has cited 24 per cent growth, it could not be more than seven per cent.
Bangalore International Airport Limited described the tariff revision as a burden to its operation, while the South Western Railway in its submission sought special and differential tariff on par with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited stating that they too cater to the public. The commission adjourned the hearing to September 22.