KERC to hold final hearing on tariff hike on Sep 19

Mysore, Sep 11 (UNI) Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) will hold final hearing on power tariff hike proposed by different Electricity Companies in the State, at Bangalore on September 19.

KERC Chairman K P Pandey, who is currently touring the State to collect public opinion on the proposal for a hike by the Power supply companies, told newspesons here after a public hearing, that ''the final public hearing on the issue would be held in Bangalore on September 19.

Mr Pandey said about 16000 objections have been received from all over the State and KERC would take final decision on the issue after the hearing.

During public hearing here, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (CESC) proposed hike in the power tariff by 0.90 paise per unit. People, including domestic and industrial consumers participated in the hearing.

Hebbal Industrialists Association General Secretary Suresh Kumar Jain warned that the Industries would vehemently protest any hike in the power tariff, as the sector was already in crisis. Though, KERC had suggested reduction of 15 paise per unit last year, it was not implemented by the CESC, Mr Jain alleged.

Bharatiya Kisan Sangha Udupi Chief said objections should be sought 120 days before CESC applying for a rise in power tariff, since the company was doing it simultaneously, which was illegal.

The distribution was improper with losses amounting to 26 per cent. The entire burden was being passed on to the consumers and literally hoodwinking them by claiming huge losses, he alleged.

UNI