RWAs oppose proposed power tariff hike

New Delhi, June 26 (UNI) An apex body of Delhi's Resident Welfare Associations today said it will strongly oppose any move by power distribution companies to hike tariff in the capital.

Addressing a press conference, office bearers of the Delhi Residents' Welfare Associations Joint Front said power tariff rates should infact be in the range of Rs 2.60 per unit as against the current average of Rs 4.70 per unit.

Reacting to reports that power tariff was likely to be increased from next month in compliance with the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission's directive, they pointed out that the 10 per cent hike announced last year had to be withdrawn in the face of massive protests by RWAs.

''It is shocking and surprising that the DERC appears to be again yielding to the pressure of Discoms for yet another hike in tariff''.

Demanding transparency in the power tariff fixation process, the Front said the government should also ensure that RWAs are involved in the process.

Front President VC Tandon, Senior Vice-President Col U N Kohal and Secretary Pankaj Agarwal pointed out that Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had indicated to citizens in Delhi last year that the hike in power tariff would not be an annual feature.

''Yet, the DERC is reported to have initiated action for a hike in power tariff,'' Mr Agarwal rued.

''Discoms should be held responsible for checking thefts and till then the losses being incurred due to theft should be borne by them. Licence of erring Discoms should be cancelled,'' he added while arguing that ''genuine consumers'' should not be burdened on account of heavy losses due to thefts.

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