Tariff hike: KERC directs Escoms to seek public opinion

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has directed four electricity supply companies (Escoms) to seek objections from consumers and general public on the proposed hike in power tariff.

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom), Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (Chescom) and Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) have proposed a uniform tariff increase of 40 paise per unit for all categories of consumers.

But, it has exempted Bhagyajyothi /Kutirajyothi (for the economically weaker sections) and irrigation pumpsets from the hike, according to a KERC release.

Though the Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company (Gescom) too has sought a similar revision, its application is yet to be cleared by the KERC since Gescom has not submitted certain details of the proposal, the KERC said.

At present, the Escoms have a differential tariff structure for various categories of consumers "� households, industries, hotels, IT sector and so on. The proposed percentage of hike will be uniform across all categories of consumers.

The KERC will hold a public hearing on the proposed hike after all the five Escoms receive objections from the consumers. A final decision on revising the tariff will be taken only after conducting the public hearing.