The Hindu Business Line : AP move to slash surcharge on domestic power dues

THE Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Friday directed the power utilities to approach the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) and seek a one-time waiver of surcharge on electricity dues.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, this move is aimed at providing relief to domestic consumers in the State. It is estimated that the electricity dues from the domestic category amount to Rs 400 crore, of which, Rs 140 crore is the surcharge.

While reviewing the general power supply position and improvement in consumer service with the Principal Secretary, Energy, Mr S.V. Prasad, and other officials, Dr Reddy directed that they seek writing off of the surcharge of Rs 140 crore, if the consumers pay the principal amount of Rs 260 crore in three instalments.

This measure would benefit the lower category of domestic consumers who use up to 100 units a month. The Chief Minister also directed the officials to take up with APERC to reduce the surcharge percentage that is fixed as 25.5 per cent per annum to a reasonable level.

He emphasised the need to further take up innovative measures to ensure quality and reliable power supply, besides proper billing of the consumption to avoid any inconvenience to the domestic consumers.

Keeping in view the welfare of the consumers, the State Government has taken over Rs 22.13 crore of domestic category arrears of SC/ST colonies and habitations, besides waiver of Rs 1,258 crore of agricultural arrears. The total domestic arrears is estimated at Rs 875 crore.

The Government was informed that in several cases, the arrears of the surcharge amount accumulated because of non-payment of Current Consumption Charges (CCC). The Chief Minister directed the officials to make suitable proposals to APERC for stopping collection of minimum charges and consequent surcharge for dismantled services in such cases.

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