Karnataka govt hikes power tariff, Congress calls it ‘disastrous’ amid pandemic

Karnataka government on Wednesday announced a hike in electricity tariff by 30 paise per unit for all electricity supply companies (ESCOMS) for the ongoing fiscal year 2021-2022. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) approved an average increase in tariff by 30 paise per unit (including demand charges and energy charges), resulting in an average increase of 3.84 percent. The ESCOMs, however, had sought an average increase of 135 paise per unit accounting for 17.31 percent increase. To enable recovery of the revenue gap determined by the Commission as per this Tariff Order, the Commission decided that the revised tariff will come into effect for the electricity consumed from the first-meter reading date falling on or after 1st April 2021. Congress was quick to attack the BS Yediyurappa-led government over the increased charges. Congress leader Siddaramaiah called the decision “disastrous for everyone” as people in the state were already suffering due to the pandemic. Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah tweeted "The decision of @CMofKarnataka to increase electricity tariff is disastrous for everyone. Common man to Industries, all are suffering due to pandemic and the increase will kill everyone." Siddaramaiah further added that "Karnataka has surplus power & yet @BJP4Karnataka continues to purchase power from Central grid, Adani & others at higher cost. Price for which our people have to pay. It's unfortunate that Ktaka CM @BSYBJP cannot keep his head high in front of @narendramodi &Adani"  

The decision of @CMofKarnataka to increase electricity tariff is disastrous for everyone.

Common man to Industries, all are suffering due to pandemic and the increase will kill everyone.#BJPShockToKtaka pic.twitter.com/fzFedvLz8B — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) June 9, 2021

  (Source: IndiaToday)