Mangaluru : The Mescom has hinted at an impending rise in electricity tariffs for consumers at the outset of the new year. A proposal has been submitted to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to increase the tariff by 0.59 paise per unit for the fiscal year 2024-25.
Mescom argues that the current unit price is insufficient to sustain its operations. However, the public contends that Mescom should focus on trimming unnecessary expenses rather than imposing tariff hikes.
Currently, Mescom states it incurs Rs 8.91 per unit of electricity, while the tariff is Rs 8.32, creating a deficit of Rs 0.59 necessary for revenue sustainability.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, Mescom anticipates revenue of Rs 4929.98 crore. However, projected expenditures are Rs 5281.93 crore, resulting in a deficit of Rs 351.96 crore. Hence, Mescom seeks a unit price increase of Rs 0.59.
Mescom proposes to increase the price per KW from Rs 110 to Rs 115 for LT-2A domestic electricity, AEH, non-commercial electricity, and motive power establishments up to 50 KW. The government must approve this increase. The proposed rate is Rs 215 instead of Rs 210 for consumption over 50 KW. Mescom also proposes raising tariffs for the commercial use of electricity in the fields of irrigation pump sets, rubber, coffee, tea, areca nut farming, and other industrial uses.
There will be increases in the Bhagyajyoti and Kuteerajyoti schemes as well. Beneficiaries currently have to pay a minimum of Rs 100 per month. This will increase to Rs 105 in accordance with the revised proposal, and the cost of the additional unit will go up from Rs 8.61 to Rs 8.91.
“Mescom has submitted a proposal to KERC to increase the electricity tariff by Rs 0.59 per unit,” said D Padmavati, MD of Mescom. Through a number of initiatives, we are giving the improvement of the electricity distribution network for our customers top priority.
Read More
Mangaluru Int’l Airport Handles Record 2+ Lakh PAX in Dec 2023
