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The proposed raise in power tariff by UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has not gone down well with consumer groups. The UP Rajya Vidyut Upbhogta Parishad has condemned the move claiming that it is being done for the benefit of franchisee. The hike is already being considered as a positive move by the UP State Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPSERC) and it is preparing to give a green signal to the same.

According to the proposal, there would be an increase of 15 to 20 per cent in the power rates in the new year. This would categorically affect the cities which receive more than 18 hours of power supply. The proposal escalates the per unit cost from Rs 4.50 to Rs 5.00 for 200 and more units.

President of parishad, A K Verma said that the raise is unjustified and is against the State Electricity Act. He said that the hike is being proposed to benefit private franchisees. Verma said that the rates are being increased without improving the power infrastructure.

Significantly, employees of UPPCL have already been granted a revised pay scale as per the sixth pay commission, seeking their bigger role in improving the power distribution and revenue collection in the state. The revision is therefore, seen by parishad as a ploy to pass its burden on the consumers.

Source- Times of India