The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has administered a tariff shock to power users across the board by virtually endorsing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) for a general tariff revision. For domestic consumers, the quantum of hike ranges from 11% to 45%, with effect from September 10. Those who use 550 units in two months will have to spend ₹2,350, which is ₹240 more than what they did in the past. Those consuming 450 units bimonthly will have to pay ₹1,425, which is ₹445 over the same level of consumption earlier. A consumer using over 1,000 units has been slapped with a rate of ₹11 for every unit in excess of 1,000 units. A new category — common facilities in multistorey tenements — has been created without any convincing reason, wherein a flat rate of ₹8 per unit has been imposed. This category will cover facilities such as gyms, community halls, amphitheatres and swimming pools, even if these facilities are used only by residents of the complexes concerned, free of cost. There is no rationale given for the introduction of this category, which can also cover any additional connection at any individual house. Also, the probability of field-level corruption is high when stiff consumption charges are levied. Eventually, the purpose of having a higher tariff would not be served.
Even though the power utility, through an additional affidavit filed on August 30, reduced its original proposal for a hike in demand and energy charges for certain types of consumers, including industries, consumers have not been fully spared from the dosage of increase.
However, agricultural consumers continue to be protected. With the DMK government having made it clear that it wants to continue free power supply to farmers, the Commission does not want to be left out in demonstrating its soft corner for agriculturists. This time, there is no stipulation with regard to the metering of around 20 lakh farm connections enjoying free power supply.
