OERC rejects power tariff hike

In a major relief for the consumers, Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) today rejected petitions of the state-owned Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd (OHPC) and Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) for a hike in the power tariff.
The two power generating companies along with Grid Corporation of Odisha (Gridco) had filed review petitions at the OERC seeking an average hike of Rs 2 in power tariff per unit four months after it was increased by 10 paisa per unit on March 23.
OHPC had asked for income tax reimbursement of Rs 40 crore from Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) but the commission rejected it as it does not come under the purview of review application," said OERC Director (Regulatory Affairs), Priyabrata Pattnaik.

The OPGC had also sought guarantee commission and working capital loan to reimburse in tariff which have been rejected as well, he said.
Though the OERC has rejected the pleas of OHPC and OPGC, it is yet to hear Gridco's petition.