JOIN USPower consumers in the state will have to shell out more as Punjab state electricity regulatory commission on Monday announced an average tariff hike of 12.08 per cent.
The second highest increase in the last five years will be applicable to all categories of consumers for the financial year 2012-13.
Apart from this, a 10 paisa per unit tariff has also been levied for the first time on continuous process industry including textile, spinning and casting, which will be applicable from November 1, this year.
Also, a four paisa fuel surcharge for metered category and Rs two per BHP on unmetered category, agriculture pumpsets, will also be levied on account of 20 per cent rise in fuel cost.
Average increase
“We are having an average increase of 12.08 per cent across the board for the financial year 2012-13,” said Punjab state electricity regulatory commission (PSERC), chairperson, Romila Dubey on Monday.
The new tariff will be effective from April 1, 2012, Dubey added. “However, power utility Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has been allowed to recover the arrears, arising out of new tariff, in instalments from consumers,” she said.
Punjab government also levies electricity duty of 13 per cent and 10 paisa per unit as octroi on energy consumption which is exclusive of tariff rates. For small industrial consumers, the new tariff rate of Rs 5.10 paisa a unit has been fixed, representing an increase of 12.09 per cent.
For medium and large industries including arc and induction furnaces, the rate has been set at Rs 5.61 paisa per unit.
Minimal hike
For railway traction, the minimal hike of 2.93 per cent has been announced and will be chargeable at the rate of Rs 6.03 paisa a unit.
Punjab government has to give a commitment to the power regulator for bearing the entire burden of free electricity being given to agriculture and other sectors.