Puducherry residents to soon have another power tariff increase
The Hindu
The Puducherry Electricity Department has submitted a tariff petition for approval for the 2023-24 fiscal; energy charges will go up for domestic and commercial consumers
The power tariff for all categories of consumers in the Union Territory is set to increase, with the Puducherry Electricity Department (PED) submitting a petition to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) seeking approval to revise the tariff for the fiscal 2023-24. The move has left consumers fuming, especially after the PED had hiked its tariff only last year.
While the PED had announced a 35-paise hike in tariff last year, it is now expected to announce another round of tariff hikes that will be enforced in April, after approval by the JERC.
In order to meet the revenue gap of ₹499.66 crore, the PED has proposed to increase the average tariff for consumers while enhancing the regulatory surcharge to an additional 10%, PED said in its petition.
For domestic and cottage sector consumers in the 0-100 units slab, the fixed monthly charge is unchanged at ₹30 while PED has proposed an increase in energy charges from ₹1.90 per kWh to ₹2.30 kWh.
For the 101-200 units per month category, PED has proposed an increase in tariff from ₹2.90 per kWh to ₹3.30 per kWh; from ₹5.00 per kWh to ₹5.45 per kWh for 201-300 units per month and from ₹6.45 to ₹6.85 kWh for those using above 300 units per month.
The fixed monthly charges for these three segments remain unchanged at ₹30 per month. The energy charges for lifeline services (0-50 units per month) category has also been increased from ₹1.25 per kWh to ₹2.50 per kWh.
In the commercial category, the fixed monthly charge remains unchanged at ₹75 per month. The PED has proposed a hike in energy charges from ₹5.70 per kWh to ₹6.00 per kWh for the 0-100 units slab; from ₹6.75 to ₹6.85 per kWh for the 101-250 slab and from ₹7.50 to ₹7.60 per kWh for the above 250 units per month segment.
Veterinary students in Vijayawada demand stipend hike, protesting since February 1 for fair compensation during internships.
Enforcement Directorate uncovers financial fraud involving distilleries and bottling companies, siphoning off over ₹1,000 crore in unaccounted-for cash.
Ranya Rao, caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, claimed innocence, but agencies suspect syndicate involvement.
World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
Samuel Browne's botanical explorations in 17th-century Madras offer insights into traditional plant uses and changing flora over time.
CPS Abolition Movement protests in Dindigul urging State government to implement old pension scheme promised by DMK.
Union Finance Minister criticizes removal of Indian currency symbol '₹' in Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 documents, citing national unity concerns.
State government provides ₹100 crore to KMRL for Kakkanad extension, speeding up construction and addressing funding issues.
ED joins probe into gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao, raids multiple locations in Bengaluru.
Bombay High Court questions Maharashtra government on failure to register FIR against police officers in custodial death case.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad faces backlash for suggesting those who have issues with Holi colours should leave the country.
Tamil Nadu sees improved Olive Ridley turtle nesting season with over 2.5 lakh eggs collected, efforts to protect marine life.
Speeding bus crash on Paramakudi-Madurai highway kills woman, injures 23; driver flees scene, causing critical injuries.