Power tariff up by 9.6 pc for domestic consumers in Raj

Power tariff has been increased by 9.6 per cent for domestic consumers in Rajasthan drawing criticism from opposition Congress.
The state electricity regulator said the hiked tariff would come into effect from September 1.
The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission cleared the tariff increase sought by state DISCOMs namely, Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigams which filed petitions for determination of Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) and Tariff for FY 2015-16.
The increase ranges between 35 paise to 75 paise per unit per month (9.6 per cent) depending upon the uses of the units in domestic category. The hike in industrial category is 80 paise per unit per month.

DISCOMS had projected an ARR of Rs 42,668 crore and net deficit of Rs 10,021 crore after receipt of government subsidy at existing tariff.
They proposed tariff increase of Rs 2,993 crore to meet their deficit and the revision would lead to an additional revenue of Rs 2,993 crore for the financial year, according to the commission.
PCC President Sachin Pilot targeted the state government over the power tariff hike saying the BJP government was burdening the people instead of checking power theft and improving distribution.
"The move is unexpected and unfortunate and will disturb the budget of the people. The government has failed to check transmission and distribution losses and power theft which are the main cause of losses to the power discoms. Instead of curbing such practices, the government put the burden on the people," he said.