Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, May 17: Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), which was waiting for the code of conduct relating to Lok Sabha election to end before announcing its decision on petitions made by electricity supply companies (escom) for tariff hike, is expected to issue an order in this connection soon. There is every possibility that the hike would be made effective retrospectively from April 1 this year.

All the five escoms in the state had submitted their proposals during December last, seeking permission to increase the power charges for the year 2019-20. They have been seeking an increase of one rupee to Rs 1.65 per unit across different sectors. Each escom has submitted details including cost calculations, and proposed for different quantum of tariff hike.

KREC already has convened nine hearings within the limits of all the escoms. Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd has also been seeking increase in power rate. The commission had allowed the consumers to come out with their response for the proposals. It had also heard what the escoms and KPTCL had to say about the proposals on tariff hike, financial status, points which justify the demand for increase in rate, including loss in power distribution and supply network and such other things.