Explained: Electricity rate hike

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In response to the recent revision in electricity tariffs by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Kerc), Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has provided clarification regarding the rate increase and its impact on customer bills.

The Kerc order has revised the electricity tariff by an additional 70 paise per unit and introduced changes to the two-tier tariff structure for domestic users. As a result of this revision, customers can expect an increase in their bills for the month of June.

The rate revision order, originally scheduled for implementation under Bommai's government in March-April, was put on hold by the Kerc on March 29, 2023, following the enforcement of the election code of conduct. To account for this delay, the backlog of the revised rates will be reflected in the upcoming bills. Under the revised tariff structure, customers consuming up to 100 units will be charged Rs 4.75 per unit, whereas those exceeding 100 units will be charged Rs 7 per unit for additional consumption.

Previously, the tariff was structured in three tiers: Rs 4.15 per unit for 0–50 units, Rs 4.75 per unit for 51–100 units, and Rs 7 per unit for consumption beyond 100 units. The new structure reduces the tiers to two levels and applies a flat rate of Rs 7 per unit for consumption exceeding 100 units.

Bescom's Managing Director, Mahantesh Bilagi, emphasised that the revised rates and their implementation have been clarified in the order. Customers are advised to review their bills and familiarize themselves with the revised tariff structure to better understand the impact on their electricity charges.