Discoms propose tariff hike for inds

Power distribution companies (discoms) have proposed a 24-28 per cent increase in power tariff for industrial and commercial consumers besides enhancing the demand charges for 2014-15 as part of their annual revenue requirement (ARR) filings.

The power utilities have projected a total revenue from the current tariffs at Rs 36,345 crore as against the ARR of Rs 52,753 crore leaving a revenue deficit of Rs 16,409 crore, according to a press release.

The discoms have informed the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission (Aperc) that the average cost of supply (CoS) has been increased 20 per cent or Rs 1.07 per unit to Rs 6.32 over the CoS of last year while the average revenue realisation is expected to be at Rs 4.36 per unit. Increase in fuel, transportation and power purchase costs have contributed to the increase in the CoS, they said.

The electricity regulator would issue the orders after conducting the public hearings on these proposals.