Power tariff in state to rise post elections: BJP
Like every other state, OERC decides power tariff at the start of new financial year after inviting inputs from various stakeholders
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The state unit of the BJP has alleged that power regulator Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has already decided to hike electricity tariff for 2014-15 with the consent of the BJD government.
"We have got information that the power tariff has been raised. It is just a matter of days that the people of Odisha will get to know the truth as soon the elections are over. People must be aware of such a government, which thinks of the companies instead of its citizens," said Suresh Pujari, spokesperson for the state BJP unit.
Like every other state, OERC decides power tariff at the start of new financial year after inviting inputs from various stakeholders.
In Odisha there are four power distribution companies (discoms) - Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Wesco), North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Nesco), Southern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Southco) and Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha Ltd (Cesu). Reliance Infrastructure has majority control in three discoms while Cesu is run under OERC management as its major shareholder US-based AES Corporation left the board several years ago.
State-run Gridco Ltd has rest of the shares in these four discoms.
Though the state government has no direct say in deciding power tariff, BJP alleged its share in discoms gives the state government an opportunity to influence the decisions.
"Though the Odisha government does not have a direct say, it can ensure the tariff is decided as per its wish to benefit the private players," said Pujari.
The OERC has not announced the tariff for 2014-15 because of the imposition of model code of conduct for polls.
While BJP claimed a surprise win this time, it also alleged that ruling party workers have resorted to violence in order to garner more votes. "Many BJD leaders and workers are attacking Opposition party workers every day and are trying to intimidate people. Even the police officers are not safe from the hooliganism of the ruling party members. We feel that the BJD is trying to influence voters by spreading a sense of fear," he said.
"We have got information that the power tariff has been raised. It is just a matter of days that the people of Odisha will get to know the truth as soon the elections are over. People must be aware of such a government, which thinks of the companies instead of its citizens," said Suresh Pujari, spokesperson for the state BJP unit.
Like every other state, OERC decides power tariff at the start of new financial year after inviting inputs from various stakeholders.
In Odisha there are four power distribution companies (discoms) - Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Wesco), North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Nesco), Southern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Ltd (Southco) and Central Electricity Supply Utility of Odisha Ltd (Cesu). Reliance Infrastructure has majority control in three discoms while Cesu is run under OERC management as its major shareholder US-based AES Corporation left the board several years ago.
State-run Gridco Ltd has rest of the shares in these four discoms.
Though the state government has no direct say in deciding power tariff, BJP alleged its share in discoms gives the state government an opportunity to influence the decisions.
"Though the Odisha government does not have a direct say, it can ensure the tariff is decided as per its wish to benefit the private players," said Pujari.
The OERC has not announced the tariff for 2014-15 because of the imposition of model code of conduct for polls.
While BJP claimed a surprise win this time, it also alleged that ruling party workers have resorted to violence in order to garner more votes. "Many BJD leaders and workers are attacking Opposition party workers every day and are trying to intimidate people. Even the police officers are not safe from the hooliganism of the ruling party members. We feel that the BJD is trying to influence voters by spreading a sense of fear," he said.
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First Published: Apr 15 2014 | 8:08 PM IST