Electricity to be costlier in Gujarat by 34 paise per unit

Electricity in Gujarat will get costlier on an average by 34 paise per unit as an order on tariff restructuring was passed by the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) here today.
However, consumers in below poverty level (BPL) category have been excluded from the hike, an official statement said.
GERC decided different petitions of four distribution companies of state-owned Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) and Torrent Power Ltd (TPL) which sought uniform tarrif hike of 48 paise per unit, citing distribution losses among the reasons.
The revised tariff structure, which comes into affect from April 1, 2013, will create an additional burden of Rs 1,800 crore to electricity consumers in Gujarat.

GERC has allowed an average tariff hike of 31 paise per unit in Ahmedabad and Surat in South Gujarat, which is 6.24 per cent of the existing tariff, against Torrent Power Ltd's demand for an average 48 paise hike per unit.
Four electricity distribution companies namely GUVNL, North Gujarat, South Gujarat, Central Gujarat and West Gujarat Electricity companies have been allowed to hike tarrif to 34 paise per unit by GERC.
This is being considered as a major tariff hike in the state since 2011.