Nirupam begins hunger strike to press for power tariff cut in Mumbai

He insists that R Infra should withdraw fixed charge and regulatory asset charge included in the tariff

Congress member of Parliament Sanjay Nirupam, on Thursday, began hunger strike to press for a cut in tariff charged by Reliance Infrastructure (R Infra) from its 2.9 million consumers in Mumbai. Nirupam, along with his supporters, are sitting at Reliance Infrastructure’s north division office at Kandivli.

Nirupam insisted that R Infra should withdraw fixed charge and regulatory asset charge included in the tariff. He called for an inquiry into the high tariff charged by R Infra.

Nirupam said he would continue his fast till the tariff was reduced.

The Maharashtra government, which recently cut 20 per cent tariff for MahaVitaran consumers, has indicated that it would take a decision with regard to Mumbai’s power tariff next week. Apart from R Infra, Tata Power and BrihanMumbai Electric Supply & Transport distribute power in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, R Infra has forwarded the representations and communications received from Nirupam and other  politicians to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) and the state government, with an appeal to initiate necessary steps for reduction in tariffs in Mumbai.

“We are forwarding the letter dated January 18, 2014 received from Nirupam for your consideration, in view of granting subsidy in the state, if any, which is the prerogative of the government of Maharashtra and tariff determination is the prerogative of MERC. We request you to please take appropriate steps,” R Infra said.