Pune News : Hike in electricity prices by 6 percent from today
Pune : Effective from today, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has announced a 6% increase in electricity prices for its consumers across the state.
This price hike comes as a result of an increase in the cost of power procurement and transportation, as well as the rise in coal and gas prices in the international market. The decision to hike the prices was taken after a review of the existing tariff structure by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC).
According to MSEDCL officials, the average hike in electricity prices will be around 6% in 2023-24 and 2024-25. However, the actual percentage of increase will vary for different categories of consumers, such as domestic, commercial, and industrial users.
MERC on Friday allowed a hike of 5-10 per cent in electricity prices for residential users across the state for various power suppliers.The commission intends to review the agriculture tariff based on cropping pattern, type of land,etc. MERC also advised the government to explore the option of a separate agriculture supply company.
The MSEDCL has assured that the new tariff rates will be implemented in a fair and transparent manner, and all consumers will be informed about the revised rates through their electricity bills. The company has also advised consumers to use electricity judiciously and conserve energy wherever possible to avoid higher bills.
This move is expected to generate additional revenue for the MSEDCL, which has been facing financial constraints due to the high cost of power procurement and distribution. However, it is likely to be met with opposition from consumer groups who have been demanding a reduction in electricity prices for some time.
The MSEDCL has assured consumers that the additional revenue generated from the tariff hike will be used to improve the quality of power supply and upgrade the existing infrastructure.
