14 paise/unit increase in power tariff?

Bengaluru: There might be a slight increase in power tariffs and Bescom consumers will have to pay an extra 14 paise per unit from this month. The tariffs were revised by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), but there was no confirmation either from the Bescom or the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 

An FKCCI member said that if there was such a hike, the Bescom would have flashed it on its official website and issued a circular. “Nothing has been announced yet. It is hard to confirm this news,” he said.  Bescom officials said they were not aware of such a development.

But another Bescom official said that the KERC has directed Bescom to collect fuel adjustment charges (FAC) of 14 paise from all consumers, irrespective of the units consumed. "The FAC is being added because there is a problem in coal supply and the heavy monsoon has caused problems with the logistics and transportation. This hike will be effective till December, after which a decision will be taken whether to continue with it. But nothing can be confirmed as of now," he said. The bill will reflect the FAC and consumers need not panic, the official said.