Escoms submit proposals to KERC for tariff hike

The electricity supply companies (escoms) have submitted proposals to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to hike the power tariff rates for the year 2018-19.

The requests have been made individually by Bescom, Cesc, Hescom, Mescom and Gescom, just ahead of the elections. Hukkeri Rural Power Cooperative Society has also sought an increase of 75 paise per unit, said a KERC official.

Depending on the proposal and the power scenario, the KERC decides on the power tariff. The tariffs are finalised after detailed meetings with all stakeholders, including citizens, industrialists and organisations. Government schemes like Vidyut Jyothi and IP sets are exempted from the fare revisions.

Earlier, KERC had hiked the tariff by 48 paise. But now, on an average, the escoms have sought a hike of Rs 1.48 per unit. They have sought for the hike because of poor rainfall and drop in coal supply, which has affected power generation.

KERC managing director M K Shankarlinge Gowda said the proposals were yet to be examined.

Hikes sought

Bescom - 83 paise/unit

Mescom Rs 1.23

Cesc Rs 1.13

Hescom Rs 1.23

Gescom Rs 1.62