Newskarnataka – Mysore

Mysore: Widespread opposition was heard for the power tariff hike proposal at a public hearing convened at the DC office here on Tuesday April 22 by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission to discuss the power tariff revision issue.

The meeting was chaired by MR Srinivasmurthy, Chairman of the KERC. Kiran, Managing Director of the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company  put forth a proposal to increase the power tariff by 66 paise per unit  citing the likely deficit of Rs 195.04 crore which the CHESCOM may face during 2014-15. He also pointed out that CHESCOM faced a deficit of Rs 269.62 crores during 2013-14.

However, the proposal drew flak from various corners and Suresh Kumar Jain and Ravindra of Chamber of Commerce and Industries strongly resented the hike proposal and charged the MESCOM of failure to effectively maintain electric poles and transformers.

A consumer named Savitha Ranganath alleged that  there was  a need to create awareness on solar power through provision of subsidy. She also stated that the consumer may not be able to bear the burden of a hike in tariff again.

Subbaiah, a power consumer from Kodagu  complained of erratic power cuts.

 HD Arun Kumar, DT Manivel Rjau, Members of the Commission and representatives of various organisations were present on the occasion.