Why? Industrialists have warned of migration from Uttarakhand, the matter is very serious
Electricity rates in Uttar Pradesh have not been increased for the last few years. In such a situation, tariffs are being increased heavily every year in the energy state of Uttarakhand, which is a question mark on the system of the state. The industrialists and general consumers of the state put this matter before the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The industrialists warned of being forced to migrate from Uttarakhand due to the continuously increasing electricity rates. During the public hearing in the commission regarding the determination of annual tariff for the financial year 2025-26, the proposal for rate hike was strongly opposed.
The consumers rejected the proposal to increase rates outright
A public hearing was organized on the proposal for annual electricity rate hike in the auditorium of the commission office located near ISBT. In which suggestions and objections were sought from stakeholders and general consumers on the proposal of annual electricity tariff.
During this, a large number of consumers who arrived rejected the proposal to increase rates outright. Now after studying all the aspects, the decision on tariff determination will be taken by the commission by the end of March.
The burden on the pockets of about 27 lakh electricity consumers of the state may increase from April 1. In fact, a proposal for an increase of 19 to 29 percent in electricity rates in various categories for the financial year 2024-25 has been sent to the commission by Energy Corporation, Pitkul and UJVNL.
Which the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission had uploaded on its official website and sought suggestions from all stakeholders. Starting on February 18, the public hearing has been completed in four cities. Now after studying it next month, the new tariff has been released.
Corporation failed to stop power theft, increasing burden on industries
Industrialists from various sectors also participated in the public hearing. He accused the Energy Corporation of putting a burden on the industries, citing flaws in its working style. Demand was raised to abolish the continuous supply charge, increase online facilities, and make a policy for large connections. Integrated Industries Association President Rakesh Bhatia said that the Energy Corporation has failed to stop power theft and the burden is being put on the industries.
The central government is providing concessions to MSMEs to expand and cooperation from the states is also being ignored, but due to the increase in electricity rates in Uttarakhand, industrialists are withdrawing. They demanded that quality electricity supply should be ensured.
The time limit for applications for new connections and load increase for small and micro industries should be reduced and the time period from application for new connection to charging should be made a maximum of one month. The amount of poles, cables etc. to be used on new connections should be fixed at a minimum.
Corporation lagging behind in providing services
Premnagar area social worker Viru Bisht, while presenting his case before the commission, said that the energy corporation is not able to provide facilities to the consumers and consumers keep wandering even for small problems. But, rates are being increased every year.
Along with this, in the last month of the financial year, consumers are threatened to deposit the bills by calling them. They are threatened to disconnect the connection and impose a fine. Along with this, electricity is being cut for hours from city to village.
Electricity Unity Forum demanded concession to the employees
Electricity Contract Unity Forum also put forward its point in the public hearing. Forum President Vinod Kavi demanded that the contract employees working in the energy corporations should also be given concession in electricity bills.
In the electricity tariff of the financial year 2025-26, provision should be made to provide at least 300 units of electricity free or at concessional rates to the contract employees working through Upanal in all the three energy corporations. Low-paid contract employees will get some relief from this. Also, electricity facility should be restored at concessional rates to the regular employees appointed after the year 2020.
Key highlights of the tariff proposal
- 8.72 per cent hike for domestic consumers
- 19.56 per cent hike for non-domestic consumers
- 22.9 per cent hike for government/public consumers
- 9.73 per cent hike for private tubewells
- 19.01 per cent hike for industries
