In a relief to electricity distribution utilities in the national capital, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) on Friday gave its nod to increase electricity rates by 6 to 8 per cent.
BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) has got a six per cent hike, while BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) has been allowed to increase tariff by eight per cent. The third private discom in Delhi, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd is allowed to hike rates by seven per cent.
These hikes are under the Purchased Power Adjustment Charge (PPAC), which doesn't include the fixed charges. In the petitions filed by discoms, Tata Power, BRPL and BYPL had sought an increase of 13.27 per cent, 11.6 per cent and 23.8 per cent, respectively based upon current bills on account of PPAC.
The PPAC charges will be applicable on a pro-rata consumption on total energy charges from February 1.
Meanwhile, the Delhi has condemned the DERC decision and said it was completely uncalled for, since an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General into the accounts of private distribution companies was already underway.