Power rates in Capital likely to go up

Elections over, it is time for a revision of power rates in the Capital or so it seems.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has received a representation from the power distribution companies seeking a power tariff increase of 3 to 4 percent as part of the power purchase adjustment charges.

The power regulator said it had received a representation from the three power distribution companies — BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL).

“We have received their proposals and are examining their claims. A decision will be taken soon on the matter. They have asked for an increase of 3 to 4 per cent. But we are yet to take a decision on it,” said PD Sudhakar, DERC chairman.

High power tariffs and promises to reduce it considerably was a major rallying point for a number of parties during the recently concluded Delhi Assembly elections. Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during their campaigns had promised that if elected to power, they would slash power tariffs considerably.

While AAP had said it would bring down the power bills by 50 per cent, the BJP had claimed that it will reduce power tariff by 30 per cent. The power distribution companies have also filed their aggregate revenue requirements to decide power tariff for the next year.

“Their claims are being examined but we have a few queries and have sought a reply from them,” said a senior official.

Discoms claim that they have to pay power suppliers such as National Thermal Power Corporation and Delhi’s Indraprastha and Pragati on a monthly basis while it took them at least two years to recover the expenses from consumers, hence a system of PPAC wherein tariff increased quarterly is helpful.

with thanks : Hindustan Times : LINK