The Uttar Pradesh State Electricity Consumers Council has intensified its opposition to the fuel surcharge imposed by the Power Corporation by submitting a public interest proposal to the Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The council demands a freeze on any surcharge-based bill increase until the existing consumer surplus of approximately Rs 33,122 crore is addressed, allowing only surcharge reductions. Council President, Avadhesh Verma, presented the proposal to the commission, arguing that no law permits surcharge increases when consumers hold a surplus with the power company.
Verma expressed concern that the Power Corporation is planning a 10 per cent electricity tariff hike through an Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) revision, despite the substantial consumer surplus.
The council raised this issue during the Multi Year Tariff amendment discussions as well and requested the commission to direct the Power Corporation to halt any surcharge increases until the surplus is resolved.
The Electricity Employees Struggle Committee also criticised the tariff increase, alleging it benefits private companies and are submitting memorandums to ministers and public representatives in protest against privatisation.