Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) on Monday began hearing on the proposals of various electricity distribution companies (discoms) regarding power tariff hike in the state.
On the first day, the Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) proposed for an increase in power tariff by Rs 2.87 per unit.
However, the proposed hike in electricity tariff was opposed by various consumer forums and political parties. Rabi Behera, Samajwadi Party Odisha Unit President, said that the OERC should reject proposal of power tariff revision and threatened to take to the streets if prices are hiked.
Different proposals were presented and issues were raised by several power generation and distribution companies including Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC).
Earlier, the OERC had served notices to OPGC, OHPC, GRIDCO, OPTCL, CESU, CLDC, CESCO, NESCO, WESCO and SOUTHCO for to conduct hearing on different dates.
As per information, cumulative energy bill of Rs 6,624 crore is pending against the discoms, including Rs 1,811 crore of WESCO, Rs 1,230 crore of NESCO, Rs 1,059 crore of SOUTHCO and Rs 2,422 crore of CESU.
The companies have requested the OERC to increase the rates by 5 to 10 percent for annual revenue requirements.
