State opposes MSEB proposal on 19 per cent power tariff hike

Sanjay Jog

Mumbai, Nov 20: Bowing to the pressure from an influential powerloom and agricultural lobby along with various consumer organisations, the state government has strongly opposed the Maharashtra State Electricity Board’s (MSEB) 19 per cent tariff hike suggested for 2001-02 to the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (Merc).

The state government, in its affidavit before the Merc has made it clear that the tariff hike proposed by the state electricity board was on “higher side in respect of domestic, agricultural, powerloom and public works consumers.” According to the government affidavit, the tariff hike for the domestic consumer for the slab of 0-30 units would comprise Rs 20 as fixed charge per month and 75 paise per unit as energy charge instead of MSEB’s proposal of Rs 75 per month fixed charge. For non-domestic consumers, the government has proposed a fixed charge of Rs 100 per month and energy charge of Rs 2.50 per unit for 0-100 units.

Although the government has proposed a fixed charge of Rs 100 per month for 101-200 units and 201-above units like the MSEB, it has suggested an energy charge of Rs 4.60 and Rs 6 as energy charge for 101-200 units and 201-above units respectively.

For powerlooms, the fixed charge would be Rs 75 per horse power per month instead of MSEB’s proposal of Rs 100 per kw per month. However, it has suggested different energy charges against MSEB’s proposal of a similar energy charge of Rs 2 per unit. For agricultural consumers, the flat rate tariff would be Rs 100 per horse power per month instead of MSEB’s proposal of Rs 300 per KW per month for load between 0-5 horse power.

The government has admitted that there was a difference of opinion between it and the MSEB with regard to the proposed tariff increase. “As such, it is necessary that MSEB and state government come to an agreement in this regard for which the Commission may take appropriate steps,” the government said.

“The government of Maharashtra has taken note of apprehensions expressed by public representatives and has come to the conclusion that the proposed tariff in respect of certain categories of consumers, as mentioned above, is indeed on the higher side.”