Belying expectations that power consumers may be spared the pain of tariff hikes this time in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, all the five electricity supply companies (Escoms) in the State on Friday filed tariff petitions before the State power regulator seeking a hike.

According to sources in the power sector, the Escoms have sought an average hike of 66 paise a unit for all consumer categories barring irrigation pump sets below the capacity of 10 HP and Bhagya Jyothi/Kutir Jyothi consumers.

Revenue deficit

They have asked for the hike to bridge a revenue deficit of about Rs. 2,200 crore.

With the filing of tariff petitions, the State is set to witness the process of power tariff revision for a record sixth time in four years. The previous tariff revision was on May 1 when it was increased by an average of 23 paise a unit. The State has already witnessed five tariff hikes in the last four years from November 2009.

As per the norms, the Escoms can only make a plea for a tariff hike by filing tariff petitions. The decision on whether to allow the hike and the quantum of hike to be allowed will be taken by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission after due process.

Political interest

The filing of tariff petitions has evoked curiosity in political circles as the Commission’s order on the tariff is expected to be pronounced just before the Lok Sabha polls.

Interestingly, the State has received good rainfall this year, leading to better hydel resources than the previous years.

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