Odisha : No hike in power tariff this year

In a huge relief to electricity consumers, the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) said, there would be no hike in power tariff this year.

There is no change in retail supply tariff in the state for all categories of consumers. It has remained the same as it was in 2013-14.

At present, the power tariff in the state stands at Rs 2.40 for first 50 units and Rs 4 for next 150 units, while the tariff for 200 to 400 units is Rs 5 and above 400 units is Rs 5.40.

The tariff order will be made effective from April 1 and shall be in force until further order.

Though the tariff order was pronounced by the Commission on March 22, it was made public on Saturday after the end of the general election including re-polling in the State.

However, the power distribution companies have expressed their displeasure over the issue.

Chief executive officer of the CESU said: “We are disheartened with the commission’s order. Last year, we had incurred a loss of Rs 40 crore. We don’t know how we will manage our entire operation.”

In its petition submitted to the commission, CESU had proposed an overall tariff hike of around 10 per cent on the existing tariff to make-up the shortfall.

All the four distribution companies have projected higher level of distribution loss of 32.04 per cent before the commission and demanded a tariff hike.

“The commission did not go by their arguments and considered average distribution loss of 21.38 per cent for determination of retail supply tariff for the consumers in the state,” an official said.