Delhi: Regulator allows power companies to hike tariffs
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The power regulator has permitted distribution companies to increase power tariffs in Delhi. The move comes after companies filed petitions seeking to hike power rates in the capital. While BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL) will now charge 9.42% more on top of the general rates, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will hike rates by 6.39% and 2%, respectively.
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Hike in power tariffs will not affect customers: Delhi NCT
According to the Delhi National Capital Territory (NCT) administration, "Consumers will not be directly affected by this increase. Under the Power Purchase Agreement, electricity prices keep increasing and decreasing." While highlighting how prices increase or decrease in every quarterly review, the NCT administration stated, "Electricity becomes cheaper in winter, while the price increases slightly in summer."
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This is normal quarterly review process: Delhi NCT administration
The Delhi NCT administration also clarified that power rates depend on the prices of key inputs: gas and coal. "The prices are increased and decreased during the review every quarter. This increase will not have a direct effect on the customers. This is a normal quarterly review process," news outlet Economic Times quoted the official release as saying.
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AAP minister Atishi attacks Centre over tariff hike
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi minister Atishi Marlena stated that the latest tariff hike wouldn't impact consumers who get free electricity up to 200 units. However, she said that other consumers will face an 8% surcharge and blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre for the power tariff hike in the national capital.
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There is no shortage of coal mines in India: Atishi
She further claimed that the electricity tariff in Delhi is increasing solely due to the central government's mismanagement and the increasing rates of coal blocks. "There is no shortage of coal mines in India then why is the price of coal increasing, why the electricity-producing companies are forced to buy coal at higher rates," Atishi told ANI.
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Video of Atishi's reaction
#WATCH | "The electricity tariff in Delhi is increasing only because of the mismanagement of the Central government and the increasing rates of coal blocks...There is no shortage of coal mines in India then why is the price of coal increasing, why the electricity producing… pic.twitter.com/Ml7dgEFjhB
— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2023
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BJP hits back at AAP-led Delhi government
The saffron brigade, on the other hand, said that the hike in electricity rates is the result of power companies colluding with Delhi's AAP-led government. "The electricity rates have increased due to the connivance of power companies with the Delhi government, and this is an attack on the people of Delhi," BJP leader Harish Khurana told the news agency PTI on Monday.
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You can watch Khurana's response here
VIDEO | "The electricity rates have increased due to the connivance of power companies with the Delhi Government, and this is an attack on the people of Delhi," says BJP leader Harish Khurana on increase of power tariffs in the national capital. pic.twitter.com/9t1dZvDUQQ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 26, 2023