Power tariff hiked in Bihar

The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) today hiked power tariff by an average 6.9 per cent per unit with effect from April 1.
This would enable Bihar State Power Holding Company Ltd (BSPHCL) to raise Rs 241.18 crore and cut its resource deficit to some extent, BERC Chairman U N Panjiar told PTI.
The hike was moderate in comparison to the BSPHCL's recommendation for increase by 56 per cent to tide over financial constraints, he said.
In the wake of the tariff hike, domestic consumers using 100 unit electricity would have to foot the bill at Rs 2.85 per unit as against the existing rate of Rs 2.60, while those consuming power between 101 to 200 units would require to pay at Rs 3.50 per unit as against Rs 3.20 at present.

Domestic consumers using between 201 to 300 units will be required to fork an additional 35 paise per unit, while those using power above 300 units will have to pay 40 paise more per unit.
The power tariff has been hiked moderately for consumers in the Non-Domestic Supply (NDS) categories using electricity for commercial purposes ranging from 100 units to two kilowatts, Panjiar said.
The maintenance charge for electricity supply too has been raised in view of increased cost of the service, he said.
Amid power pilferage remaining a matter of concern, the BERC Chairman said the BSPHCL has been directed to keep the transmission loss at 28 per cent as against 38 per cent at present.