Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jan 11: The state government is giving shock over shocks to the consumers of electricity. Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), which had increased 40 paisa per unit from November 1, 2020, has once again ordered further increase of five to eight paisa per unit of electricity. In addition, KERC has also asked proposals from various Escoms to increase the unit price further for the next fiscal (2021-22).

The unit rate increase order that KERC had taken out in November 2020 is applicable only till March 31, 2021. From April 1, 2021, revised rates will be applicable as usual. Mescom has sent a proposal to increase the unit price by Rs 1.67. On an average, it is learnt, through high level sources of energy department that various Escoms are going to send proposals to increase the unit price by Rs 1.39 in the month of February.

During the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, as the public was facing severe financial crunch, KERC had revised the electricity rate from November 1 till March 2021. It further increased the unit price on December 23, 2020 in the form of fuel cost adjustment charges. The consumers of Bescom will have to bear an increase of eight paise, while those of Mescom and CESE will be charged five paise per unit increase. For Hescom and Jescom, the increase is four paise and five paise per unit respectively.

Though the increase order of 40 paise per unit was taken out on November 1, some consumers did not receive the revised rate in the electricity bill of December. Now Bescom has consolidated the additional charges of both November and December month in the electricity bill of January. Now the consumers are shocked to see that the electricity bill is increased by 20 to 30%.

Giving clarification on the subject, M B Rajesh Gowda, MD of Bescom said, "Most of the consumers are receiving the January month bills with revised rates of November and December also. This is due to the revision of the electricity rate and nothing else. If consumers have any doubts they can call Bescom helpline."

Rajesh Gowda further said, "If the procurement rate of Escoms increases, we ask KERC to revise the electricity rates under fuel cost adjustment charges head. Accordingly, a proposal was sent in November 2020. Accordingly, KERC has given order to revise the electricity rates to be applicable from January 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021. We will have a check on the implementation of this order on Friday, January 13 and take further action."