Rule changes that will make discoms solvent, won't raise political heat

Power ministry will allow distribution companies to raise tariffs without waiting for regulators' approval

Dues electricity distribution companies (discoms) owe to their states is reducing, giving them space to raise consumers' power bill when fuel prices rise. Dues are now at almost Rs 50,000 crore, halving from levels at the same time last year.

To help things, the union power ministry has offered them a leeway. Discoms can adjust their power tariffs for fuel costs, which mostly arise from imported coal, without having to wait for the state regulators' approval. The offer has a rider: discoms have to adjust tariffs within 90 days of the ministry publishing its regulations, or they have to wait