Karnataka: Power Tariff Increase of 36 Paise per Unit Effective April 1
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Synopsis
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission has announced a <b>36 paise per unit hike</b> in electricity tariffs, effective April 1. This decision has sparked controversy between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP, with debates focusing on inflation and the impact on consumers. The government asserts that <b>85%</b> of the population will not be affected due to free power policies.
Key Takeaways
- KERC announces 36 paise per unit hike from April 1.
- Fixed charges increased by Rs 25.
- Opposition accuses government of ignoring inflation.
- 85% of consumers to remain unaffected under Gruha Jyothi scheme.
- Government departments have outstanding electricity bills totaling Rs 6,500 crore.
Bengaluru, March 27 (NationPress) Following the recent surge in milk prices, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), a statutory authority, has officially announced a power tariff increase of 36 paise per unit in the state, effective from April 1.
This decision, made last Thursday, has ignited a fiery debate between the Congress-led government and the opposition BJP.
The government has sanctioned a proposal to revise electricity tariffs.
The fixed charge has been raised by Rs 25, escalating from Rs 120 to Rs 145. Moving forward, homestays will fall under domestic power tariff categories. Nevertheless, concessional rates will remain applicable for the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
This hike is attributed to funding pensions and gratuities for the personnel of electricity supply companies, with KERC granting some leniency in the annual tariff adjustments.
The BJP has criticized the Congress for prioritizing appeasement policies while overlooking inflationary pressures.
In defense, the Congress argues that the electricity tariff increase will not affect 85 percent of the populace, as they benefit from free power for up to 200 units under the Gruha Jyothi scheme.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra remarked, “Since the Congress-led government took office, its sole contribution has been rising inflation. This is their only guarantee. We have long discussed this issue. Inflation has substantially impacted the poor, disproportionately affecting women.
“To obscure their failures, they allege mistreatment by the Central government. They promise free electricity while simultaneously hiking tariffs. Farmers are in distress as the government fails to provide a consistent seven-hour supply of three-phase electricity.”
“Additionally, government departments like the PWD have pending electricity bills totaling Rs 6,500 crore. Yet, the state government opts to increase electricity prices,” Vijayendra stated.
In response to the backlash, Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil claimed that the price rise would primarily impact the government, which supplies free electricity to 85 percent of consumers using fewer than 200 units. “The people will not bear this burden,” he assured.
“The BJP lacks common sense. Over 85 percent of consumers benefit from the free power initiative, yet they advocate for the affluent industrialists. Moreover, the government does not determine electricity rates; an independent agency handles that. It's misleading to assert that prices have risen because of the free power scheme,” Minister Patil asserted.
Minister for Labour Santosh Lad reiterated that KERC, as a statutory body, decided to raise tariffs by 36 paise per unit. “Most individuals benefiting from free electricity will remain unaffected by this increase,” he added.
