Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Feb 18: Farmers and consumers have vehemently objected the proposal of Mescom to raise electricity charges by Rs 1.38 per unit.
A public interaction was held by Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday at the auditorium of deputy commissioner’s (DC) office in the city.
DC Ravikumar, who presided over the meeting, listened to the petitions and appeals of consumers. He said that all suggestions will be considered and proposal will be sent to government keeping in mind the well-being of both the consumers as well as Mescom.
Managing director of Mescom Manjappa explained the necessity of increase in price. Representatives of Canara commercial and industries organization said that Mescom should immediately implement the order or unit price that is recommended by KERC. It is not right to postpone things on the pretext of separate order.
One of the consumers said, “If Mescom collects pending bills, there will not be any need to increase the price. Mescom is still doing profitable business. So price should not be raised.”
K N Venkatagiri Rao of consumers’ forum said, “Mescom has bills amounting to Rs 1,214 crore pending. Instead of collecting this outstanding, it is giving lame excuse of shortage of Rs 769 crore and increasing unit price.”
Manjappa, MD of Mescom said, “In 2023-24, 6313.75 units of electricity will be needed by consumers. This costs Rs 3787.41 crore. Including other expenses, the total cost would be Rs 5,214 crore. From all sources, Mescom gets Rs 4,445.53 crore. So there will be a shortfall of Rs 768.97 crore. That is why increase of unit price by Rs 1.38 is inevitable.”