Bengal keeps out poor, midddle-class, agriculture from power tariff hike

The West Bengal government has kept the agriculture sector, middle class and below poverty line (BPL) consumers out from power tariff hike, state Power Minister Shobandeb Chattopadhyay said on Thursday.

"I can assure you that the government will not allow the rates to be increased for domestic, BPL and agriculture segments. I cannot verify the changes allowed by the regulator in the categories outside these right now.

"High rise buildings and bulk consumers of electricity might face an increase in the price," Chattopadhyay said at the sidelines of an energy seminar organised by The Bengal Chamber.

Average power tariff of West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (WBSEDCL) is getting dearer by 23 paise with effect from July billing cycle.

The minister noted that the discom (distribution company) is already getting a subsidy of over Rs 400 crore.

"State government provides subsidy to the distribution company so that tariff rate upto 300 units can be kept at a relatively lower rate for domestic consumers," an official of State Electricity Regulatory Commission told IANS.

Chattopadhyay further said West Bengal will achieve 100 per cent electrification by mid 2017. The government is working to electrify entire Sunderbans population and 95-97 per cent work has already been completed.

--IANS

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