A major power tariff hike has been proposed by Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company ltd (CSPDCl), which is now eager to revise the rates.
The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has started the process of taking feedback from people and will organise a public hearing for the purpose on May 21.
According to sources, the CSPDCl has proposed a hike of 28% in the power tariff to achieve revenue of Rs 8200 crore. It had justified the proposed hike by stating that the electricity charges in the State have not been revised for past two years and the same are the lowest compared to all other states.
The company has set a revenue target of Rs 8,200 crore against the present target of Rs 6,000 crore.Former President of Chhatisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CGPCC) Dhanendra Sahu has lodged his objection with the Commission against the proposed hike.
Similarly the industrial organisations are also opposing the proposed hike. They are arguing that they are already suffering due to the recession and a hike in electricity rates at this stage will turn disastrous for their units. Sources said that the Commission also held discussion with the Advisory Committee in this regard.