Another Price Hike Shocks Karnataka: Electricity Bills to Rise from April 1

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has dealt another financial blow to the people of the state, who are already struggling with rising costs. The commission has announced a 36 paise per unit hike in electricity tariffs, effective from April 1. The increased charges are meant to cover pension and gratuity expenses for electricity transmission and ESCOM employees, as per KERC's latest order.

Who Will Be Affected by the Tariff Hike?

Reacting to the tariff revision, Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil clarified that the increase will not affect the common people. Speaking to TV9, he stated that the Gruha Jyothi scheme, which provides 200 units of free electricity, remains unaffected.

"The hike applies only to those who consume more than 200 units. The BJP is misleading people by siding with the wealthy. The government has not increased the rates; the autonomous KERC has done so. The BJP's allegations are baseless," he asserted.

BJP Slams Congress Government Over Price Hikes

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has lashed out at the ruling Congress over the electricity price hike. BJP State President BY Vijayendra strongly criticised the state government at the Vidhana Soudha, claiming that Karnataka has been burdened with a series of price hikes under the current administration.

"The government is only focused on increasing costs. First, they promise free electricity, but then they burden people with price hikes. The PWD department has unpaid bills worth ₹8,000 crore, and several other departments are struggling financially. We will raise this issue in the Assembly," Vijayendra said.

Price Hikes Across Sectors Add to Public Woes

The electricity tariff increase follows a series of recent fare hikes that have hit Karnataka residents:

• Namma Metro fares were increased recently.
• KSRTC and BMTC bus fares were hiked earlier.
• The government also approved an auto fare hike just days ago.

With the latest electricity tariff revision, many believe that the cost-of-living crisis in Karnataka has reached a tipping point. As political debates intensify, citizens await further clarity on whether relief measures will be introduced to ease their financial burden.