UPPCL proposes levy of regulatory surcharge

LUCKNOW: The UP Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) has filed a fresh proposal, seeking levy of regulatory surcharge on electricity bills, before the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) holds public hearing on the former’s annual revenue requirement (ARR) petition for the year 2021-22.

“The UPPCL in its proposal has claimed that consumers owe Rs 49,827 crore to discoms because of the lower tariff between 2000 and 20019-20,” the people aware of the issue said, adding “The UPPCL has demanded the UPERC to reintroduce the regulatory surcharge to help it make up for the deficit.”

Countering the UPPCL’s claim, UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad chairman Avadhesh Kumar Verma said not consumers but discoms owed to consumers and demanded the UPERC to ask the UPPCL to adjust the amount in bills.

The proposal, he alleged, was an attempt to take advantage of

the pandemic and burden consumers.

“We oppose the proposal and

demand the UPERC to reduce the tariff during the public hearing on May 17,” he said.