KREC to hold public hearing before power tariff hike

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Following a proposal made by the electrical supply companies (Escoms) to hike the power tariff, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KREC) has decided to hold a public hearing from February 13 to March 1 in order to hear the objections to the proposed hike in the city. The Escoms had proposed the KREC to hike the power tariff between Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 per unit.

However, the KREC said that it would announce its decision after taking the public reaction towards the proposal into consideration. Meanwhile the citizens have been expressing their outrage as the electricity bills have already shot up after the installation of new digital meters.

The Hotel Owners’ Association in Bengaluru has also opposed Escoms' proposal. Last year, the power tariff was hiked twice in the state. In April 2022, the power tariff was increased by 35 paisa per unit. Again in September, the fuel adjustment cost was increased from 24 paise to 43 paise.

Following the installation of the new digital meters, consumers have been getting higher electricity bills. The Hotel Association has also opposed Escoms’ proposal, claiming that it is unscientific and unreasonable to burden the consumers.