KSEB's time-of-day billing to affect 7.90 lakh consumers, oppn slams govt
Earlier, this surcharge was 20 per cent, and the hike would also apply to the existing ToD consumers.
Earlier, this surcharge was 20 per cent, and the hike would also apply to the existing ToD consumers.
Earlier, this surcharge was 20 per cent, and the hike would also apply to the existing ToD consumers.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB) 's decision to impose time-of-day (ToD) billing on electricity consumption above 250 units a month will affect 7.90 lakh customers in the state. This move is also expected to cost the KSEB around Rs 20 crore, which would be recovered from the consumers as meter rent.
As per the latest decision, the consumers will be eligible for a 10 per cent rebate on the power they use between 6 am and 6 pm. However, they would have to pay an additional 25 per cent for the peak-time consumption, from 6 to 10 pm.
Earlier, this surcharge was 20 per cent, and the hike would also apply to the existing ToD consumers. Around 22 lakh domestic consumers using more than 500 units per month are already covered under ToD billing. KSEB offers a reduced rate during the daytime as its grid receives excess solar power during this period.
Presently, even though ToD meters are installed on the premises of around five lakh domestic consumers who use more than 250 units a month, they are issued telescopic bills, which are based on slabs. The programme of such meters would have to be changed to issue ToD bills.
As new meters have to be installed for the remaining 2.90 lakh consumers, KSEB has ordered 5.24 lakh single-phase meters, which will be delivered this month. Tender procedures have also been completed to purchase 1.50 lakh three-phase meters, with the deliveries expected in January 2025.
Opposition attacks CPM
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has alleged that the CPM-led Pinarayi Vijayan government had placed an additional burden of Rs 7,500 crore on consumers over the last eight years through power tariff hikes. "KSEB is purchasing power at the rate of Rs 10-14 per unit from companies such as Adani and Jindal, even when Nuclear Power Corporation and Neyveli Lignite Corporation are prepared to sell electricity at Rs 4-5," he said.
Chennithala said that certain power brokers were involved in these deals. "I will not blame the electricity minister for the situation. However, the CPM is responsible for the losses suffered by the KSEB in this regard. The party's corruption extends from Lavalin to Adani," he added.