Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 7: Like all other electricity supply companies in the state, Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (Mescom) too has submitted a proposal to Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Authority (KERC), seeking to increase power tariff by an average of Rs 1.38 per unit. The tariff suggested by it for different categories of consumers ranges from 40 paise to Rs 2.20 per unit.

Through this hike, Mescom proposes to cover its accumulated loss of Rs 706.39 crore including previous losses by next year. However,Udupi district Bharatiya Kissan Sangh (Bhakisam) has opposed this proposal strongly. It has been attempting to file over 100 objections to the proposal through different organizations.

Bhakisam says that Mescom has been earning profit every year since 2013 and as per its audited accounts, in 2018 too it made a profit of Rs 31.42 crore. It pointed out that Mescom has to receive about Rs 1,000 crore from other electricity supply companies and government. It said in a release that Rs 130.7 crore is due to be received by Mescom from Mysore Paper Mills, Bhadravati.

KERC is convening a meeting in the office of the deputy commissioner here on this issue and people can place their opinions on February 7. As Mescom did not properly spread this information, those who could not file objections also can participate in the meeting and put forth their views, said Bhakisam district general secretary, Satyanarayana Udupa, in a release.