Regulatory Commission proposes electricity tariff hike; Kerala Government opposes due to bypolls

Thiruvananthapuram: The Regulatory Commission has proposed an increase in electricity tariffs. However, the Kerala government is not in favour of this hike due to the announcement of by-elections. Since the Model Code of Conduct is in force, the government will only proceed after seeking legal advice.

The Regulatory Commission had prepared to announce the revised electricity tariffs for 2024-25 by the end of October, with implementation from November 1. However, the by-elections were announced in the meantime. The government is reluctant to approve a tariff hike during the election period, fearing it may have negative consequences. Even if the Regulatory Commission proposes a tariff increase at this stage, the government is unlikely to adopt a favourable stance. The Regulatory Commission is currently in the final stage of determining the tariff after gathering public opinion in Kozhikode, Palakkad, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has requested the Regulatory Commission for an average tariff increase of 4.45 per cent. The board has also proposed a summer tariff to reduce the higher electricity consumption during the summer months. It has suggested charging an additional 10 paise per unit from January to May as a summer tariff. However, the Electricity Department does not agree with this proposal, as confirmed by Minister for Electricity K Krishnankutty to Mathrubhumi News. 

The Minister also mentioned that there is a recommendation to reduce electricity consumption during daylight hours.