Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 27: The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has announced a power tariff hike of 36 paise per unit, which will come into effect from April 1. The revision has sparked political debates, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP trading barbs over its impact.

The decision, approved by the state government, also includes an increase in the fixed charge from Rs 120 to Rs 145. Additionally, homestays will now be billed under domestic tariff slabs, while Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will continue to enjoy concessional rates.

The tariff adjustment is aimed at covering pensions and gratuities for electricity supply company employees. KERC has also provided certain relaxations in the annual tariff hike.

Political reactions

BJP state president B Y Vijayendra criticized the Congress-led government, alleging that its policies have only led to inflation. “The only guarantee they have implemented is price hikes. The poor and women are the worst affected. Farmers are struggling as the government is unable to ensure a seven-hour three-phase power supply,” he said. He also pointed out that government departments, including the PWD, have unpaid electricity bills amounting to Rs 6,500 crore.

Responding to the criticism, minister for medical education Sharan Prakash Patil stated that 85 percent of consumers would remain unaffected, as they receive free electricity for up to 200 units under the Gruha Jyothi scheme. “The burden will fall primarily on the government, not the people,” he assured.

Minister for labour Santosh Lad reiterated that KERC, as an independent regulatory body, had made the decision to revise tariffs, emphasizing that most beneficiaries of the free electricity scheme would not be impacted by the hike.