Here is some bad news for Mumbaikars. The power generators of Tata Power and Reliance Infrastructure have demanded a huge Rs 479 crore as their expenditures on generating electricity has increased for the year 2018-19. In totality, after dividing among the 44 lakh plus consumers of both these power companies; the power bills could see a spike by 15-20 paise per unit. All this is subject to approval from the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission who have heard their petition in the past few days.

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As part of the annual revenue requirement submitted by TPC, they have asked for Rs 191.53 crore while Rinfra has asked clearance of Rs 287.53 crore. This amount will be divided among the 7 lakh odd consumers of TPC, 10 lakh BEST consumers and 27 lakh consumers of Rinfra. According to the petition filed by TPC, they are also levying charges for past three years starting 2015-16.

TPC has three thermal power plants operating on coal and oil namely Unit 5, Unit 7 and Unit 8. And then there are three hydro power plants at Bhivpuri, Khopoli and Bhira. Power experts claim that TPC has proposed to shut down Bhira hydro power plant and Unit 5 starting 2019-20 due to rising costs.

Sources said that TPC has been asked to pay Rs 133 crore as custom duty which is a major expenditure that people will pay. This is got to do with the coal "If the MERC approves it then not only the consumers of Tata Power but also BEST will pay who get electricity from TPC which is then distributed in south Mumbai," said a power expert.

Similarly when we talk about Rinfra - that supplies to the suburbs - they too have blamed the fuel cost for the hike. Sources said that 51 percent of the expense is for carrying coal through freight trains from the port to the plant in Dahanu.

Money asked for generating electricity:

TPC: Rs 191.53 croreRinfra: Rs 287.53 crore

Consumers:TPC: 7 lakhRinfra: 27 lakhBEST: 10 lakh