AEH users in urban areas will have to pay more

All Electric Home (AEH) consumers using up to 100 units will not hit by the hike. However, those consuming above 100 units will have to shell out more in the areas coming under the BBMP and other corporation limits.

For those areas coming under urban local bodies, the increase vary between 20 paise and 70 paise and for those in rural areas it is between 10 paise and 60 paise per unit.
Now, a household consuming on average about 300 units in corporation area at present was paying Rs 1,260 a month. From next month onwards, the house will end up paying over Rs 1,500 per month, an annual increase of about Rs 3,600.
The same will be Rs 1,600 if the power consumed is about 400 units per month, an increase of 40 paise per unit.

The consumer has to pay a sum of Rs 750 more per month if the consumption is about 500 units. For consumption above 500 units, the hike is Rs 1.20 per unit.
For the first time, a differential tariff has also been allowed among the domestic consumers in urban local bodies.

Several consumers have expressed their shock over the tariff.
"It is almost 50 per cent more than what we are paying now, it is a shock for us," said Sandhya, a lecturer in a private college.

Tariff has also been increased for commercial lighting and street lighting and water supply using over 350 kwh of power.

The increase is between 30 paise and 35 paise per unit. However, the KERC has not allowed the utilities to pass on the transmission and distribution loss on to the consumers.

A sad move: FKCCI

Terming the power tariff hike as a sad move, the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) president Jacob Crasta on Wednesday said the increase came at a time when the Central government was continuing with stimulus packages for companies, in the aftermath of recession. “Fifteen districts have been affected by the flood and the industry is just recovering from recession. Instead of lending a helping hand, they have imposed higher tariffs.” he said.

Consumer activist Y G Muralidhar said the hike in prices was too steep and the result of lack of long-term planning.