BJP, RWAs slam DERC for its decision to hike power tariff

Coming down hard on the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission, Delhi BJP chief Vijender Gupta demanded inquiry by an impartial and independent agency into the justification of the decision by the power companies to increase power tariff.

"When there is written understanding in the agreement that after privatisation power tariff will decrease gradually then what is the justification of increasing power tariff for the fourth time?" Gupta said.

He alleged both government and DERC have outrightly rejected the suggestions of the people and have agreed to the demand of three power companies to increase power tariff despite the fact that they are already earning profit in the last eight months.

He said BJP will stage protests at offices of the power companies on June 29 demanding roll back.

"The power companies, DERC and Delhi Government are trying to take advantage of this load shedding. Now, on the pretext of power shortage, separate rates of tariff will be recovered from the consumers for peak hours and non peak hours," he alleged.

Urja, the umbrella body of RWAs in the capital, also slammed the tarrif hike terming it improper.

In a statement, Urja member Atul Goyal said the decision was improper.