Hyderabad: The introduction of the new system in tariff for irrigation proposed by the state distribution companies from next year would see the irrigation department pay demand charges even if it did not consume any power.
In the present system, the tariff for irrigation projects was Rs 6.40 per unit and in a single part. From next year, it would be in two parts with charges for energy and demand. But, tariff would remain the same.
At present, the department did not have to pay power charges if it did not use the power. But from next year, it would have to pay Rs 390 per 1KV load per month even if the power was not utilised.
For 2018-19, Discoms divided the tariff for irrigation which came under HT–IV (A) category into two parts. The energy charge would be Rs 4.88 per unit and the demand one Rs 390 per KVA per month.
This would mean that the demand charge would be Rs 1.52 per unit chargeable to the irrigation department.
Discoms said that based on data received from the department, the Kaleswaram irrigation project which would be operational in the ensuing year would need 2,305 MW.
The other new lift irrigation schemes expected to be operational in 2018-19 would need another 208 MW. Discoms projected the load from lift irrigation schemes in the ensuing year to be 4,140 MW, including existing loads. The projected demand from lift irrigation schemes for 2018-19 was 5,583 million units.
Discoms would have to contract adequate power in advance to ensure continued supply to lift irrigation schemes and all other category of consumers.
Discoms said there was need to enhance the recovery of fixed charges through the two-part tariff structure, reflective of the fixed and energy cost commitments of power contracts.
TS Southern Power Distribution Company Limited director Srinivas said there was no additional power tariff to lift irrigation schemes due to the introduction of the two-part tariff structure.
