Tariff rebate sought for hour-long power cuts

Representatives of the industry in the state on Thursday demanded rebates in their electricity tariff bills if the power disruption lasted for an hour during the day.

The demand was made during an interaction organised between the industry representatives and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) managing director Tushar Girinath by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).

Bescom regulations stipulated that a rebate of Rs50 should be provided to consumers in case of eight-hour uninterrupted disruption in power supply. “Bescom is avoiding long power cuts and spreading the same over shorter durations. It is doing this to avoid giving the consumers any rebate in their power bills,” said MG Prabhakar, chairman, energy and environment committee, FKCCI.

The Bescom chief claimed that the utility had been efficient in handling the power crisis. “Check with the companies in Peenya, which complained about unscheduled power cuts that was causing them losses. The problem has been resolved,” Girinath said.

The fresh proposal from Bescom to hike power tariff by 75 paise per unit also evoked protests during the interaction. “We will file objections as it is unrealistic and all the sectors should have a uniform hike,” said SN Srinivasa Murthy, chairman, FKCCI.
Girinath said that the tariff hike proposal was reasonable.