Gujarat power discoms seek fuel-surcharge increase

Power distribution companies (discoms) in state have approached Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) seeking a hike in fuel price and power purchase adjustment (FPPPA) base price or fuel surcharge. However, the disocms have not sought any increase in basic electricity tariffs for fiscal 2018-19. The four distribution companies — Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (UGVCL), Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (MGVCL), Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (DGVCL) and Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (PGVCL) — have proposed raising basic FPPPA by 6 paise per unit from Rs 1.43/unit to Rs 1.49/unit for the fiscal 2018-19. Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL)-affiliated discoms have filed petitions with the GERC for determination of power tariff for the next fiscal. Besides this, discoms have demanded minor changes in category structure of consumers," said K K Bajaj, according to a regulatory expert. Although the deadline-with grace period — to file annual tariff petitions was