Bengaluru: In a blow to the common man who is already reeling under the effect of COVID-19 crisis, the State Government on Wednesday hiked power tariff by an average of 30 paise per unit.

The tariff  revision  comes after the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) approved the hike. However, this is less than the average hike of Rs.1.35 per unit sought by the five Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) of the State for the current financial year.

“The Commission has approved an average increase in tariff by 30 paise per unit (considering increase in Fixed / Demand and Energy charges) for FY 2021-22, resulting in an average increase of 3.84 percent,” according to a KERC release here on Wednesday.

The revised tariff will come into effect for the electricity consumed from the first meter reading date falling on or after April 1, “to enable recovery of the revenue gap determined by the Commission.” 

According to the release, to soften the burden of increase in tariff on the consumers, during the prevailing lockdown situation on account of Covid-19 pandemic in the State, the arrears towards revision of tariff for April and May, is ordered to be recovered during October and November respectively, without charging any interest. 

As per the latest hike, which comes after a year, the power tariff will be Rs. 4.10 per unit for upto 50 units, Rs. 5.55 per unit for 50 to 100 units, Rs. 7.10 per unit for 100 to 200 units and Rs. 8.15 per unit for over 200 units. 

However, the KERC has not effected any revision in respect of free power under various welfare schemes including Bhagyajyothi. Also, free power to pumpsets below 10 HP will continue.

In a tweet, Leader of Opposition Siddharamaiah said ‘’The decision to increase the electricity tariff is disastrous for everyone. Common man to Industries, all are suffering due to pandemic and the increase will kill everyone.’’

‘’Karnataka has surplus power and yet BJP Government continues to purchase power from the Central Grid, Adani and others at higher cost, price for which our people have to pay,’’ he alleged in another tweet.