MERC hikes power tariff 3.03 per cent
17 Sep 2010
Much to the relief of power consumers in the state, state power regulator, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), has hiked the power tariff for 2010-11 only marginally. The average hike works out to only 3.03 per cent a figure that is much lower as compared to past tariff hikes.
The increase has been calculated merging fuel surcharge of 12 paise per unit with the base tariff.
The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) had proposed a 14-per cent tariff hike.
The tariff is lower as the commission had asked MSEDCL to substantially reduce costly power purchase. The average power purchase rate has been reduced from Rs4.87 per unit as proposed by MSEDCL to Rs4.38 per unit. The costly power purchase rate has been reduced by 1,302 million units (MU) from within the state and from outside by 1,855 MU.
Mahagenco has meanwhile been asked to up power generation to acceptable levels to cover the deficit.
Given the generation company's track record it seems unlikely that it would be possible to boost the generation.
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