Pune Municipal Corporation Issues Clarification Over Contractor’s Authority About EV Charging Station Rates, Stirs Controversy Over Inconsistent Pricing
Pune Municipal Corporation Issues Clarification Over Contractor's Authority About EV Charging Station Rates, Stirs Controversy Over Inconsistent Pricing (Representational Image )
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has underscored that the determination of rates at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations lies solely with the contractor, according to Kunal Khemnar, additional commissioner of PMC.
While emphasizing the absence of specified restrictions in the agreement, Khemnar outlined the only condition being that the rates must be lower than prevailing market prices. Khemnar stated, “If the contractor prospers, it benefits the civic body, and our goal is to provide charging stations, promoting vehicle adoption.”
PMC commits to daily rate monitoring to ensure they stay below market prices. The contractor, allocated 82 locations for charging stations,must share 50% of the generated income with the PMC. Currently, 21 stations are operational, open for public use. Controversy emerged when the contractor unilaterally raised rates just before the expected inauguration, attributing it to GST charges, contrary to PMC’s prior announcement of rates ranging from Rs 13 to 19.
Vivek Velankar, president of Sajag Nagrik Manch, criticized the lack of transparency, urging the PMC to focus on recovery of arrears and conduct a study on charging stations’ impact, emphasizing the importance of an informed decision-making process.
The electricity department initially communicated the rates as Rs 13 to Rs 19 per unit, but the launch reported actual rates of Rs 23.60 and Rs 22.40 per unit. This disparity has sparked public dissatisfaction, with citizens deeming the announced rates as unreasonably high. With an 8-year agreement formalized, questions arise about the lack of rate consistency and potential future implications. The PMC faces challenges due to the absence of direct control over the contractor’s rate-fixing authority, raising concerns about future rate increases.
The absence of municipal oversight in rate adjustments prompts speculation about the sustainability and fairness of the arrangement. Stakeholders seek clarity on PMC’s contingency plans and strategies to address potential rate fluctuations throughout the agreement.
