Good news arrives for the electricity consumers. There is no hike in the tariff announced by the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Authority Commission (MPERC) here on Saturday.
While talking to media persons on Saturday, MPERC Chairman Rakesh Sahni said that the commission took the decision after receiving all suggestions and complaints from different individuals and others. Earlier, three companies - East, West and Central regions - had submitted their proposals.
Sahni further said that the three electricity distribution companies had not proposed any hike in the tariff. However, there was a difference of around Rs 11,000 cr between revenue and expenditure which was the same last year as well due to which the tariff charges were not increased.
He added that 'fuel surcharge' would be revised and reviewed on quarterly basis. The revision does not impact the electricity bill significantly but a small change is incorporated after the revision according to the requirement. The consumers were expecting increase in the tariff but were surprised and happy about keeping the tariff charges unchanged.
Replying to a query, Sahni said that electricity bill is in a simplified format and there is a need to understand it in the proper manner but the consumers are more interested in reporting discrepancies without understanding.
The losses suffered by the three companies were 20 per cent, 18 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively. While replying to a query about the delay in the electronic meter installations, Sahni said that the process of installation is near completion and would be completed soon.