BENGALURU: The tariff hike sought by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) from Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) was contested on Monday in a public hearing held by the KERC. Last year, KERC had hiked tariff by an average of 8% and hike was an average of 9% the year before that.
In the public hearing, the short-term power purchases made by BESCOM to cope with the energy shortage were criticised by many. Additional proposals like an increase in penalty for excess consumption as well as the method that BESCOM has adopted for giving disconnection notices, sent along with the bill instead of a 15 day notice, were also cited by many as being unfriendly measures.
This year, all electricity supply companies in the state have sought different tariff hikes and the public hearings will be held in next 15 days.Among those objecting to the tariff hike was Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).