Maharashtra mulls uniform power tariff

The state has appointed a private consultant agency to study how to apply ‘uniform power tariff’ in Mumbai and suburbs which is aimed at providing relief to those consuming up to 500 units.

Currently, there is huge difference in tariff in the city and suburban area as different companies are supplying power. In the island city, BEST has maximum number of consumers while in both eastern and western suburbs, Tata and Maharashtra Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL) supply electricity.

In the Legislative Assembly, NCP leader Ajit Pawar and others had raised issues related to power supply in the state. While replying to them, energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday had said that the state government was serious about uniform tariff and had appointed Delight Consultant India to study the issue.

“I know the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) is the authority on finalising the tariff and it will not accept the proposal of ‘uniform tariff’ for Mumbai, but the government is in favour of it and will try to do it for the benefit of middle class people. They will get relief,” Mr Bawankule had said.

Former energy minister Dilip Walse-Patil however pointed out that the MERC would not agree on uniform tariff. “At any cost, MERC will not agree on uniform tariff. It could only be possible if the government supports this initiative and through its exchequer, otherwise it is very difficult to implement it,” said NCP leader Mr Walse-Patil.

Mr Bawankule replied, “I know it is difficult but we will try to give relief at least to people who consume up to 500 unit electricity.”

It should be noted that in January, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi undertook a padyatra from suburban Bandra to Dharavi in the metropolis to raise the issue of electricity tariff hike.

The state government has announced Rs 1,000 crore subsidy in electricity for the industry. Mr Bawankule, in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, said that industries in Vidarbha and Marathwada will get electricity subsidy and the proposal will be tabled before the Cabinet soon.