In a surprising turn of events, electricity prices in Karnataka have been increased by Rs 2.89 per unit, despite the state government’s promise of free electricity to households consuming below 200 units per month. The additional cost, known as the fuel and power purchase cost adjustment (FPPCA), includes arrears from April and will be applied in June bills for those consuming more than 200 units. This tariff hike has left thousands of citizens bewildered as they received inflated bills, including a sharp increase in fixed charges. The Electricity Supply Companies (Escoms) defended the increase, stating it was in accordance with the tariff order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). However, officials assured that bills would normalize from the following month.
The Siddaramaiah-led state government had recently announced the Gruha Jyothi scheme, aiming to provide free electricity to households consuming below 200 units per month. However, the recent tariff hike has raised concerns among citizens who expected relief from high electricity bills. The FPPCA component, amounting to Rs 2.89 per unit, will add an extra burden for those exceeding the specified consumption limit.
The hike in electricity bills also resulted in an outcry from consumers who were taken aback by the sudden increase in fixed charges. Bills generated by Escoms for June showed a significant rise in fixed charges, ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 75, depending on the consumption load.
Officials from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) explained that the tariff hike and pending dues collection were implemented as per the orders of the KERC. The commission had issued a retrospective tariff hike of 70 paise from April 1, 2023. Additionally, fuel and power purchase cost adjustments were also included in the recent revision, resulting in higher bills for April and May. Bescom assured consumers that the bills would return to normal from the next billing cycle.
While the government’s initiative to provide free electricity to low-consuming households is commendable, the recent tariff hike has raised concerns about the overall impact on consumers’ monthly expenses. The discrepancy between the promised free electricity and the actual price increase has left many citizens questioning the feasibility and transparency of the state government’s power policies.
As citizens grapple with inflated electricity bills and increased fixed charges, it remains to be seen how the government and regulatory authorities will address the concerns raised by the consumers and ensure transparency in the billing process going forward.
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