UERC rejects application seeking electricity rate hike in Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission has rejected the review petition of UPCL for the increase in electricity rates in the state. On this petition, the commission took suggestions from across the state and also held a public hearing. UPCL, while reconsidering the electricity rates implemented in April, had filed a petition for an increase of 8.54 percent (63 paise per unit) in electricity rates based on the recovery of Rs 919 crore 71 lakh.
The commission had sought suggestions from consumers and stakeholders instead of taking a direct decision on its acceptability. Till August 8, many people from across the state opposed this increase. At the same time, during the public hearing on August 12, consumers had also said that they need freedom from expensive electricity at all costs.
After hearing on the acceptability of the petition, the bench of Commission Chairman ML Prasad and Member Law Anurag Sharma found that the petition of UPCL is not worth reconsideration. No basis was found in it. Therefore, the commission has rejected it. At present, there will be no increase in electricity rates.
Now UPCL has the option of going to the Appellate Authority Vidyut Delhi against this decision. However, UPCL MD Anil Kumar says that any decision will be taken only after studying the decision of the commission. It will be seen on what basis the commission has rejected the petition.
Prices had increased by 6.92 percent in April
In April, electricity rates in the state had increased by 6.92 percent. Electricity had become costlier by 0.49 rupees for domestic consumers, 0.69 for non-domestic, 0.66 for government public utility, 0.27 for private tubewell, 0.64 for LT industry, 0.64 for HT industry, 0.52 for mixed load, 0.54 for railways and 0.75 per unit for EV charging station. Now the regulatory commission has to take a decision on the new increase application.
PTCUL’s petition also rejected
The petition of Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (PTCUL) has also been rejected by the regulatory commission. PTCUL management had filed a petition for reconsideration of the order of the commission issued in April. The commission, after studying PTCUL’s petition as per its April order, rejected it.
