Punjab power utility — the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) — on Monday made it clear that the difference in tariff rates for some electricity consumers is due to implementation of two-part tariff system.
Clarifying about charging higher tariff rates to some electricity consumers, PSPCL chairman-cum-managing director A Venu Prasad said that as per provisions of National Tariff Policy, the state power regulator — Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) — has implemented two part tariff from January 1, 2018.
“In Two-Part Tariff, fixed charges which are kept below the monthly minimum charges (MMC), will be recovered instead of monthly minimum charges (MMC),” said Prasad talking about Rs five per unit power rate given to the industrial sector.
He added that keeping in view of the interest of small consumers, the fixed charges rates are kept different as per their sanctioned load.
“Implementation of Two-Part Tariff will be beneficial for the promotion of industry and employment in the State as variable charges are kept below single part tariff rates,” he elaborated.
Prasad added that the Two-Part Tariff was implemented from January 1, this year, after giving two months’ time to the consumers, “so that they can optimize or reduce the sanctioned load as per their requirement”.
PSPCL CMD also made it clear that the revised rates are applicable from April 1, 2017, and to facilitate the consumers, the arrear for the period of April 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, is being recovered in installments without interest.
“Due to this, the consumers are getting bills with previous arrear,” he added.