Domestic power consumers too could be brought under differential tariff if the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has its way.
Earlier last week, the State Electricity Regulatory Commission had allowed it to introduce such a regime for industrial consumers.
Domestic consumers are now proposed to be charged at the rate of Rs 10 a unit for consumption in excess of 150 units a month.
The KSEB submitted the proposal to the effect to the Commission on Wednesday.
The public utility is effectively asking for a 10 per cent restriction on consumption at normal tariff on low-tension industrial consumers and commercial consumers.
Normal tariff would be available for up to 90 per cent of the previous average monthly consumption. Anything in excess would be charged at Rs 10 per unit. Those exempted are agricultural consumers, poor homes, and public lighting facilities.
The Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the issue on April 26 to ascertain the views of the consumers likely to be impacted by these proposals.
It had on April 5 allowed the KSEB to introduce the ‘split-tariff’ system for high-tension and extra high-tension consumers.
vinson@thehindu.co.in