The electricity consumers in the State have to shell out more as the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) hiked tariffs by an average of 1.44 per cent on Thursday.
However, the meter rent remains unchanged. For domestic consumers, the tariff for the first 50 units of consumption has been kept unchanged, while for subsequent units the rate has been increased by 10 paisa per unit for all retail consumers.
So, a customer consuming more than 400 units will have to pay Rs 5.70 per unit. Those consuming between 250 and 400 units have to pay Rs 5.30 per unit.
Similarly, the rates for the first 50 units of electricity used for agricultural activities have been kept unchanged. The tariffs under the Biju Kutir Jyoti Yojana and BPl families have been kept unchanged, said OERC Director (Regulatory Affairs) Priyabat Patnaik at a Press meet here on Thursday.
However, the OERC has announced relief in the form of discount of five paisa per unit to consumers paying their dues on time and another one per cent off for making payments online. Moreover, the consumers in rural areas will get an additional discount of five paisa per unit if they pay the bills by due date.
The tariffs have been hiked by 10 paisa per unit for every other consumers including, industries, public institutions, general purpose, and other categories of consumers, said Patnaik.
The OHPC, the OPGC, the OPTCl, the SlDC and distribution companies Gridco, Nesco, Wesco, Southco, and Cesu had for long been demanding the OERC to hike the tariff. The commission had conducted a public hearing in February.
Keeping in mind the statutory provisions and suggestions of the Government and other stakeholders, the OERC, after taking into account all other factors, have come out with the order,” said OERC Secretary Kamal lochan Panda.