BENGALURU: As part of an annual exercise, all energy supply companies (Escoms) in the state have proposed to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to increase power tariff.
Interestingly, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has sought a hike of 49 paise per unit for domestic consumers (irrespective of category), which is the lowest among all Escoms. It is also much less than what it had proposed last year at Rs 1.36.
KERC allowed a power tariff hike of 70 paise per unit last year. The power tariff is revised every year, accounting for transmission and distribution losses and power purchase agreements. Last year, the revised tariffs were announced on May 12 and they came into effect from April. Gescom has proposed a hike of Rs 1.63 per unit, Mescom 0.59, Hescom 0.57 and Chesccom 0.50.
‘Studies show positive impact of schemes’
The governor also mentioned that the studies commissioned by the Finance Department show a positive impact and response from people about these schemes.
Hitting out at the Union government, the governor stressed on not having enough resources available from various sources.
“Karnataka ranks second among the states that collect the highest tax in the country, but it is ranked tenth in terms of receipts of tax share,” he said.
Despite drought in the state, farmer suicides are less than last year. “My government is working with the belief that it is not appropriate for anyone to commit suicide for any reason,” he said.