The power distribution companies in Bihar have sought an increase of 30 to 45 paise per unit retail tariff of electricity - an increase of 9 to 10 per cent - from the next financial year. at the three-day public hearing conducted by Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC).

The demand was made at the three-day public hearing conducted by Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) that concluded on Wednesday.

The regulatory authority will deliberate on the issue and declare the new power tariffs on March 11 for various categories - BPL (below poverty line) consumers, domestic (rural), domestic (urban), agriculture use, industry (low tension), industry (high tension), railway and government borewells.

BERC chairman Shakti Kumar Negi told The Telegraph: "We received suggestions, objections and demands from the consumers, distribution companies, transmission companies and generation companies. Distribution companies have sought an increase of 30 paise to 45 paise or nine to 10 per cent in per unit electricity tariff while the consumer, commerce and industry bodies and individuals have opposed it." Negi added that BERC would evaluate the suggestions and objections over the next month and discuss them at the advisory committee meetings to fix the tariffs in light of recommendations by distribution companies. "After evaluating all the aspects, we will tentatively announce the new tariff on March 11, though we have time till the end of March." he said.

The three-day hearing held in the state capital marked the culmination of process which started over a month ago with public hearings in districts like Purnea, Saharsa, Gaya and Saran.

Representatives from consumer bodies pointed out that electricity was available at cheaper rates at the energy exchange and demanded that the benefit of drop in per unit price should be passed on to the consumers.

They also objected to the proposal to buy electricity at Rs 5 per unit from the 110 MW power generation unit at Barauni thermal power station, which will start generating power from December.

Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) president O.P. Sah told The Telegraph: "If coal and petroleum prices shoot up in the international market, energy companies raise the tariff. But the prices of coal and fuel oil have dropped sharply in the international market so the benefits should also be passed on to consumers."

Sah added that electricity is available at Re 1 to 1.5 per unit in the open market across the country and power distribution companies in Bihar should not try to cast their inefficiency and high establishment cost on the common people.