Gridco Seeks 22% Hike In BSP Of Power In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Grid Corporation of Odisha Ltd (Gridco) has proposed a 22 per cent hike in bulk supply price (BSP) of power for 2023-24, evoking stiff opposition from consumer groups and individuals.

According to sources the Gridco pleaded before the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) on Wednesday for raising bulk power supply (BSP) by 68 paisa per unit from Rs 3.12 per unit to Rs 3.80 per unit.

The proposal was strongly opposed by consumer groups and individual objectors during a public hearing on its aggregated revenue requirement (ARR) and tariff applications.

As many as eight objectors, representatives of energy department and Discoms participated in the hearing and submitted their views on the ARR and BSP application of Gridco.

The OERC has reserved the verdict and is likely to pronounce the order towards the end of March.

The state-government undertaking presented aggregate revenue requirement (ARR) and BSP application for 2023-24 before the OERC. It is estimated to sell a total of 36,428 million units (MU) of energy considering transmission loss of three percent in the state transmission system. The company has proposed its net revenue requirement to the tune of Rs 13,839 crore for the fiscal 2023-24.

Gridco sources said that the company will not take money from consumers for this implementation as the state will provide the fund for this, an OERC official said.

Gridco, which does not produce power, purchases power from three sources like Centre and state-owned thermal power plants and hydro-power corporations along with independent power producers. Normally thermal power stations take fixed charges and variable charges. OERC tells the company not to pass on the fixed charge on distribution companies (Discoms). However, this time Gridco requested OERC to pass it on to the Discoms.

Making a submission, power analyst Ananda Mohapatra reportedly said that the revenue surplus of the four Discoms may be utilised to reduce the retail tariff for ensuing financial year. Considering the revenue surplus on account of excess tariff recovery by the discoms at Rs 2,600 crore, the tariff should be reduced by at least Rs 1.20 per unit, he added.