After examining the balance sheet of UPCl, UJVNl and PTCUl, the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC) has refused to increase the power tariff on Thursday. Besides, the UERC has also curtailed the existing rate of other consumers by 30 to 70 per cent.
Uttarakhand Power Corporation limited (UPCl), which directly deals with consumers, had appealed to the UERC to increase the tariff by 19.42 percent as compared to the existing tariff. After reviewing the data which was submitted by UPCl to ascertain its claim, the UERC found the UPCl demand was not genuine as it is getting Rs20 crore surplus. The UERC did not cut the existing tariff because the surplus money will be used by UPCl for purchase of power because gas price is expected to be increased after general election.
Following on the demand of farmers, who were complaining that minimum charge of tubewell is very high, UERC has given rebate of Rs23 per BHP. Earlier the charge was Rs 100 per BHP but now they will have to pay Rs77 per BHP.
UERC also gave rebate to the industrial consumers especially those who were running on high tension. The industry, which are supplied upto 33 KV high tension, were given 2.5 per cent rebate while earlier it was mere 1.5 per cent. The industry, which were running upto 132 KV and above, were given rebate of 7.5 per cent by UERC while earlier it was mere five percent.
Taking cognisance on the demand of tea industry, which were demanding that their industry is seasonal but they have to pay tariff as regular industry, UERC has given them relief as well. Now they will pay 70 per cent during offseason because UERC has recognised tea industry as seasonal industry.
Besides it, UERC has also given direction to UPCl. UPCl has been asked to regularise the unmeter consumber by September 30 and replace defective meter by June this year. Even UPCl has been asked to reduce the defective meter ratio. Currently 7 to 8 percent defective meter complaints are coming to UPCl per month so the UERC has asked them to reduce it upto three percent and submit a report to the commission.