Review power tariff, make it rational: VTA | Nagpur News
Nagpur: Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) has urged Maharashtra govt and Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to undertake a comprehensive review of the state’s electricity tariff structure, citing the rising overall “burden on households, businesses and industries”.At a meeting chaired by VTA president Shrawan Kumar Malu recently, the association said the review should go beyond per-unit energy charges and cover the entire effective cost of electricity, including fixed and demand charges, Fuel Adjustment Charges (FAC), Time-of-Day (ToD) charges, wheeling charges and electricity duty.VTA said higher electricity costs eventually have a cascading impact on the prices of goods and services, putting an additional burden on consumers.The association has also sought rationalisation of fixed and demand charges and a review of ToD tariff timings based on actual consumption patterns. It said the tariff structure should encourage, rather than discourage, investment in rooftop and captive solar power.Malu said the association was seeking a fair, transparent and scientifically determined system that balances the legitimate requirements of the power distribution system with the interests of consumers and taxpayers.VTA secretary Tejinder Singh Renu said electricity tariff policies should be aligned with govt efforts to promote industries, MSMEs, tourism and employment generation.The executive body resolved to submit a memorandum to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Energy Department and MERC, seeking a comprehensive tariff review and wider stakeholder consultation before any major changes are introduced.
