Power tariff hike in Maharashtra

MUMBAI: Ahead of the festive season, the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) gave a shock to consumers. MERC has announced new power tariffs for the period of 2018 to 2020. According to the new rates that are applicable from September 1, the MSEDCL consumers in the State will bear an up to 11 per cent hike over the next seven months. 

New rates have been finalised after completion of a public hearing by MERC. This final tariff is for the generation, transmission and distribution businesses of power utility firms. MERC Chairman Anand B Kulkarni gave this information.

Mumbaikars will have to pay less as there is a huge drop in the tariff under BEST’s jurisdiction, while North Mumbai will face a marginal hike of around 1 per cent in tariff for Adani consumers.

The consumers of MSEDCL in rest of Maharashtra will have to pay rates higher by 3 to 5 per cent during 2018-19 and 4-6 per cent for the year 2019-20. 

The agriculture tariff was hiked by 5 per cent, while tariff for those in the ‘0-100’ category in the State (MSEDCL) was hiked by 4 per cent.

Rates for high-tension commercial users, which include shops, business houses and other commercial establishments, were also hiked.

The revised tariffs come into effect in two stages: with effect from September 1 and on April 1, 2019.