MUMBAI: Power consumer activists have threatened a state-wide agitation with morcha in various districts on February 28 to oppose the "37% proposed hike" in power tariff by the state power utility MSEDCl.
While the power firm claims it has proposed only upto 15% hike, the power activists and experts allege that the actual hike could be 37% -- which will be the highest ever and a huge burden for consumers.
From February 5 onwards, activists plan to create consumer awareness, distribute handbills and communicate with citizens through social media on the proposed power tariff.
MSEDCL managing director Vijay Singhal said: "The proposed energy charges have to be compared with respect to the present year rate and inflation including Fuel Adjustment Charge. And in the next two years, the proposed rate will not have a FAC burden and it will be a huge relief to consumers. We stand by our petition which shows a 12-15% hike for residential consumers."
"The gap between existing revenue and proposed recovery shows a 37% increase, which has to be recovered from consumers. Besides, when we compare existing tariff as mentioned in MERC multi-year tariff order for 2022-23 with the proposed energy charges for 2023-24, it is actually upto 37% hike," pointed out power consumer activist Pratap Hogade from Maharashtra Veej Grahak Sanghatana.
