KERC approves power tariff revision from April 1

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved a revision in power tariff which will come into effect from April. The approval for the tariff revision has come early in view of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held in April-May.

While Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) had sought an increase of 49 paise per unit, the other four power utilities — Mescom, Hescom, Gescom and CESC — had sought hike ranging between 40 and 60 paise per unit. The escoms had also sought a revision of demand and energy charges commercial users.

Presently, the tariff per unit for urban consumers is Rs 2.30 up to 30 unit, Rs 3.50 between 30 and 100 units, Rs 4.60 between 100 and 200 units and Rs 5.60 for above 200 units. Similarly, for rural users, the tariff is Rs 2.20 up to 30 units, Rs 3.20 between 30 and 100 units, Rs 4.30 between 100 and 200 units and Rs 5.10 for above 200 units.

After the revision, the energy charges for high-tension (HT) commercial users has brought down by 125 paise per unit and demand charges by Rs 10 per kvA. For HT industrial users, the energy charges have been reduced by 50 paise per unit and demand charges by Rs 10 per kvA. For HT consumers like hospitals and educational institutions, the energy charges have been reduced by Rs 40 paise and demand charges by Rs 10 per kvA.

For LT hospitals and educational institutions, the energy charges have been reduced by 50 paise per unit while for LT industrial unit, it has been reduced by 100 paise per unit and for LT commercial units by 50 paise for unit.