No power tariff hike in Odisha for 2014-15

Though decision was taken on new tariff order, it was not notified due to twin Lok Sabha and assembly polls in the state

In a huge relief to consumers especially those in the domestic sector, state power regulator Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has spared the hike in electricity tariff for 2014-15, after raising it for four successive years since 2010-11.

Though OERC had decided on the new tariff order, it was not notified in view of the twin Lok Sabha and assembly polls in the state. After the two-phased polls and the re-polling for four assembly segments that ended Friday, the regulator notified the order on Saturday.

Despite the distribution companies (discoms) projecting a distribution loss of 32.4 per cent, the commission considered an average distribution loss of 21.38 per cent for determination of retail supply tariff for consumers of the state.