Power tariff in Kerala to go up from tomorrow

Power tariff for all categories of consumers in Kerala would go up from tomorrow with an average increase of about 12 per cent for domestic users.

As per the revised charges fixed by State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which would be in force from tomorrow till March 31, 2014, the average increase for industrial consumers would be seven per cent.

However, domestic consumers using upto 40 units per month have been exempted from the current revision and they would continue to pay the existing rate of Rs.1.50 per unit, a commission release said here today.

About 25 lakh families would be benefited by this decision.

Orphanages, destitute homes and agriculture sector have also been exempted from the hike.

In a significant decision, the commission has removed domestic consumers who use more than 300 units per month from the telescopic billing system. They will have to pay the charges fixed per unit, the release said.

Consumers who come under the slab of 41-80 units would have to pay Rs 2.20 per unit, those under 61-120 Rs three, 121-150 slab Rs 3.80, those under 151-200 have to pay Rs 5.30 and those using 200-300 units Rs.6.50 per unit.

An amount of Rs five will have to be paid per unit for 300-350 units. Those who consume between 351-400 will have to pay Rs. six per unit and more than 500 units will have to pay Rs 7 per unit.

The charge of power used by industrialists has also been increased.

The Commission, after examining accounts and recommendations submitted by Kerala State Electric Board in support of its plea for tariff hike, took into account the Board's revenue deficit as Rs.1050 crore, while a total expenditure of Rs.9,546 crores and an income of Rs.8,496 crores.

The board had shown a revenue deficit of Rs.2,759 crore with a total expenditure of Rs.11,237 crores and a total income of Rs.8,478 crores.

Meanwhile, reacting to Commission decision, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the hike in the power tariff will not affect the ordinary people.

He also said the cabinet meeting to be held next week will discuss about the increase in subsidy for Kerala State Electricity Board.