Energy efficiency, low rates

Bhubaneswar, April 26: The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission, a quasi-judicial body, today said there would be no hike in power tariff this year.

“There is no change in retail supply tariff in the state for all categories of consumers. It has remained the same as it was in 2013-14,” stated the commission in an official notification.

At present, the power tariff in the state stands at Rs 2.40 for first 50 units and Rs 4 for next 150 units, while the tariff for 200 to 400 units is Rs 5 and above 400 units is Rs 5.40. However, the power distribution companies have expressed their displeasure over the issue.

A commission official said hearing on electricity tariff proposals and all proceedings related to 2014-15 were over by March 22. But, the tariff order could not be published in view of the model code of conduct. “However, as the general election has been over in Odisha, we have decided to publish the tariff order,” he said.

Reacting over the order, people cutting across party lines, including the public, expressed their satisfaction. “At a time when price of everything is shooting up, non-revision of the power tariff will certainly be a big relief for the common and middle class families,” said Dibyasingh Pradhan, 76, a retired government employee.

Retired police officer Prafulla Kumar Mohanty, 79, said: “It is certainly a welcome order. But, the government should ensure that there will be no power cut during the summer.”

Chief executive officer of the Central Electricity Supply Utility (Cesu) Suadarshan Nayak said: “We are disheartened with the commission’s order. Last year, we had incurred a loss of Rs 40 crore. We don’t know how we will manage our entire operation.”

In its petition submitted to the commission, Cesu had proposed an overall tariff hike of around 10 per cent on the existing tariff to make-up the shortfall.

All the four distribution companies have projected higher level of distribution loss of 32.04 per cent before the commission and demanded a tariff hike.

“The commission did not go by their arguments and considered average distribution loss of 21.38 per cent for determination of retail supply tariff for the consumers in the state,” an official said.

The commission has also asked the private power distribution companies to implement smart metering schemes, energy audit, supervisory control and data acquisition on pilot basis in their licence area instead of arguing for a tariff hike.

However, there is a respite to the distribution companies, as they will buy power from the Grid Corporation of Odisha (Gridco) at less than 2 paise per unit rate from the existing one. The average bulk supply price is computed at Rs 263.21 paise per unit for the financial year 2014-15 as against Rs 265.27 paise per unit in last year.

However, Gridco has been allowed to go for a trading of power only after meeting the state’s requirement. The revenue earned from such trading would wipe out the past liabilities of Gridco.