Power becomes dearer in Maharashtra

Power tariff for residential areas in Maharashtra have been hiked by 12-21 per cent effective from October 1.

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) on Wednesday said that for residences which consume below 75 units, the increase will be to the tune of 12 per cent.

For those above 75 but below 125 units, the increase will be 13 per cent and for those between 125 units and 400 units, the hike will be 21 per cent, MERC stated.

MERC said the new tariff will be effective till March 31 next year. The previous tariff revision was effected in June 2004. The power regulator said the hike has been necessitated to keep the consumption under check as the state was not in a position to immediately step up power generating capacity. It is also aimed at inculcating the habit of energy conservation.

The annual revenue requirement (ARR) of the generation, transmission and distribution functions of private sector Tata Power Co (TPC) has been determined as Rs 2,994 crore, Rs 169 crore and Rs 968 crore, respectively.

A new categoory has been introduced so as to provide cheaper power at 40 paise for people living below poverty line. This will be applicable for only those consuming less than 30 units per month.

A fixed charge of Rs 100 per month will be levied on residential consumers availing three-phase power supply.

In a bid to keep consumption under check, residential commercial and industrial users consuming more than 300 units will have to keep their consumption at 80 per cent of their corresponding month's level of the previous year. Otherwise, a load management charge will be levied.

The load management charge will be as high as 100 per cent of the highest tariff chargeable in the resepctive category. This levy will come as part of the regular energy bill, MERC said, adding identified essential services will be spared from the load management charge.