Uttar Pradesh The process of changing the rules for determining electricity rates is gaining momentum. The Regulatory Commission is preparing to make the new draft public soon. Even before its release, Consumer Council President Awadhesh Kumar Verma has filed a petition in the Regulatory Commission against this draft. They say that this proposed rule will harm the interests of electricity consumers and has been designed to benefit private houses.
What is the whole matter?
In 2019, Multi-Year Tariff (MYT) was implemented to decide the electricity rate in the state. The tenure of this rule will expire in 2024-25. In such a situation, the government and the electricity corporation are drafting a new rule, which will be effective from 2025.
But, this proposed draft has raised controversy. Awadhesh Kumar Verma has alleged that the interests of consumers are being ignored in this draft and efforts are being made to benefit private houses.
Big question of Rs 33122 crore
According to Verma, Power Corporation officials have added such points in the draft, which will eliminate the outstanding of Rs 33,122 crore of consumers on power corporations. This is a long standing consumer right. The draft looks like a conspiracy to eliminate these rights.
He says that this step is being taken to benefit the power corporations and put the burden on the consumers. Private households are being given more options, due to which there is a possibility of a huge increase in electricity rates.
Change in rules: Silver of private houses?
Many provisions have been added in the new draft to benefit private power companies. It is possible that under the new rule the electricity rates will increase so much that it will become difficult for the general public to use electricity.
At present the electricity rates are stable, but the Power Corporation has filed this case in the Appellate Authority, citing the reason for not increasing the rates for five years.
Consumer Council protest
On Thursday, Awadhesh Kumar Verma met Regulatory Commission Chairman Arvind Kumar and member Sanjay Kumar Singh. They filed a PIL against this proposed draft and demanded action to protect the interests of consumers. He said, “Consumers in our state are already burdened with inflation. If such rules are implemented, it will be fatal for the public.”
Commission’s assurance
After hearing the petition, Commission Chairman Arvind Kumar assured Verma that the interests of consumers would not be ignored. He said that the proposal will be studied in depth and it will be ensured that any decision is not taken against the consumers.
Threat of expensive electricity: Challenges of consumers
If the proposed draft is implemented, electricity tariffs could skyrocket. This will have a direct impact on lower and middle class families. While on one hand private households will get more options and discounts, on the other hand consumers will have to bear the burden of expensive electricity.
Apart from this, the possible increase in electricity rates will also affect small industries and businesses. This will increase production costs, which will ultimately impact consumers.
Question on the role of government
This issue has also raised questions on the intentions of the government. The debate is ongoing on whether this draft has been prepared for the benefit of private houses or keeping in mind the interests of the public.
The government and the regulatory commission will have to ensure that the proposed rules do not cause any harm to consumers.
What is the way forward?
This draft requires extensive discussion to protect the interests of consumers. The regulatory commission should ensure that any new rules do not impose additional financial burden on consumers.
Furthermore, the government should maintain transparency on this issue and ensure that every side is heard.
Controversy is increasing regarding the rules for setting new electricity rates. While on one hand there are preparations to benefit private companies, on the other hand the general public is at risk of expensive electricity.