Bengaluru: Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has approved a hike in power tariff with effect from April 1, 2022. KERC approved  increase in energy charges by 5 paise per unit and increase in fixed charges ranging between Rs.10 to 30 per HP / KWh / KVA to the consumers for recovery of gap of Rs.2159 Crores.

The overall average increase accounts for 35 paise per unit for FY23 (increase by 4.33%). The ESCOMs had sought an average increase of 185 paise per unit accounting for 23.83% increase, for the proposed revenue deficit of Rs.11,320 Crores.

Electricity bill for BESCOM consumers to go up by 5 paise per unit. Fixed energy charges will go up by Rs 10 to Rs 30 based on the KW. 

According to HM Manjunath, Chairman of KERC, the tariff hike is inevitable to recover Rs 2159.48 crore of revenue deficit in the financial year 2022-23 which includes Rs. 1700.49 Crores deficit of FY21. To enable the ESCOMs to carry on their business of supplying electricity, which is the basic need of Society, the increase in the tariff has become inevitable.

To enable the micro and small scale industries (as certified by the GOK) to recover from the adverse effects of Covid-19, the Commission has decided to allow a rebate of 50 paise per unit in the monthly energy consumption for one year.