REL puts off 24 per cent hike

Mumbai, Oct 8 (UNI) Reliance Energy today decided to postpone indefinitely collection of Additional Energy Charges (AEC) by which consumers would have to pay 24 per cent more in their electricity bills.

The decision has been taken in response to the representations received on behalf of the consumers, Reliance Energy spokesperson said.

''In the interest of millions of our consumers we have decided to indefinitely postpone the collection of the Additional Energy Charges (AEC) from all our consumers and approach Maharashtra Electricity regulatory Commission (MERC) for a review of the order,'' the spokesperson added.

The Appellate Tribunal of electricity (ATE), which is equivalent of High court, had approved recovery of the amount. Subsequently, MERC had ordered collection of amount in six months from all consumers. Meanwhile, the 7.5 per cent power hike directed by the MERC will remain, the same.

As per the MERC order, REL was to recover the rebate of Rs 350 crore given by the company to its consumers from 1999-2003 at Rs 97 paise as AEC in a period of six months. However, later REL extended the period of recovery from consumers from six months to 18 months at Rs 32 paise. But, with today's decision, the hike of 24 per cent is postponed indefinitely.

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