Tariff cut: Regulator seeks UPPCL response on consumer body’s representation

LUCKNOW: The electricity regulator has directed the UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) to file its response within two weeks on a consumer body’s representation seeking reduction in power tariff in the state. The representation sought cut in power tariff in lieu of the Rs 20596 crore that the corporation owes consumers for overcharging tariff over the years.

UP Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) secretary, Sanjay Singh on Friday wrote a letter to the UPERC chief engineer (regulatory affairs unit), asking him to send a detailed report on the UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad chairman Avadhesh Kumar Vema’s petition. Verma, in his public interest petition, has sought 6.85 % reduction in the power tariff every year for five consecutive years to compensate the amount of Rs 20596 crore that the UPPCL, according to him, had overcharged from consumers during the past one decade or so.

“I have already spoken to the energy minister in this regard and will meet him on Saturday to ensure that the UPPCL does not invent excuses to not reduce the tariff,” he said. He said the

UPERC in its order two years ago said that the UPPCL had got bigger tariff hikes in the past by showing inflated figures on losses and revenue requirement.

“The UPPCL will have to reduce the tariff by 34% if it compensates the Rs 20596 at one go and this may not be possible for it.This is why we have sought an annual 6.85% tariff cut for five years and this is doable,” he said.