Burden on the Middle Class

The new electricity tariff, proposed by TNERC, is most unwelcome, say consumers and activists alike.

A costlier power bill has come as a shock to consumers, especially the middle-class that has already been burdened with a steep increase in the prices of essential commodities.

The new electricity tariff, proposed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC), is most unwelcome, say consumers and activists alike.

“There is no rationale behind the proposed hike,” says T. Sadagopan, president, Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre. The TNERC should ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply to the consumers. “How many consumers have been recommended compensation by the TNERC for continuous power cuts effected by the Tangedco,” he asked.

Complaining about the steep hike proposed for those consuming more than 500 units, V. Rama Rao, convener, People’s Awareness Forum, Nanganallur, said the middle class would be affected most. The government should bring in a new slab between 500 and 1000 units.

Gowri Sakthivel, a homemaker from S.B.I. Officers Colony in Tiruchi, said the tariff was already high. Middle-class families using air conditioner and electrical appliances shell out Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000. “Any further hike will severely affect us,” she said.

For domestic consumers in the water-starved Madurai, a hike has only increased worries about running motors and electric pumps. “Since the water in our borewells have depleted, we keep the motor running for extra time to fill the tanks,” said N. Vadivu, a resident of Tallakulam.

Solar boost

The silver lining is that rooftop solar installation may go up in Chennai, a senior official of the Tangedco said.

“Around 10 lakh households in the State consume above 500 units. Of them, over five lakh consumers are in Chennai,” said the official, emphasising that if the hike went through, solar power would become more attractive.

Under the net metering scheme, solar generation cost is estimated to be around Rs. 6.50 to Rs.7 per unit. With the proposed hike, installing a solar plant will make sense, especially for high-end domestic users and commercial establishments, Tangedco officials say.

According to Tangedco sources, power cuts have surfaced in several parts of the State. “The situation is better than last year. But Chennai will be hit, too. Power cuts may be back in the city by next month,” an official says.

The Hindu