Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 5: At a time when the people are reeling under the impact of the blow delivered by coronavirus, the electricity supply companies (Escom) in the state reportedly are preparing to seek hike in the power tariff. Preparations are being made to approach Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) with a proposal to hike the tariff by an average of Rs 1.39 per unit.

During September last, the commission had given permission for a 33 paise hike per unit but that was a temporary measure. Now, the escoms seek regular increase in the power tariff. Last year, the commission had not permitted the escoms to seek tariff hike citing corona impact. Now, the hike sought is higher as the companies are seeking hike cumulatively for a two-year period.

The escoms have cited increase in thermal power plant cost, revision of staff salaries, increase in operational and maintenance cost, interest on loan and capital expenditure as cause for justifying the hike.