Electricity charges in Delhi have been revised upward by 1.5-3 per cent from February 1. This is because of adjustment in increase in power purchase cost during the last quarter (October-December 2012).
The increase is applicable to all consumers serviced by three electricity distribution companies — BSES Yamuna Power Ltd, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd and North Delhi Power Ltd.
The increase in tariff shall be applicable only on a pro-rata consumption with effect from February 1, said an order issued by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) on January 31.
The percentage increase will be applied as a surcharge on the total energy and fixed charges. This is excluding arrears or other tax levies.
The increase in per unit and fixed charges is 3 per cent for the consumers of BSES Yamuna Power Ltd and BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd. These two distribution utilities provide electricity to nearly two-third of the national capital.
BSES Yamuna Power supplies to South and West Delhi, while BSES Rajdhani Power caters to East and Central parts of the city. These two companies are promoted by Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.
Consumers of North Delhi Power (TPDDL) would see their electricity charges going up by 1.5 per cent. The utility is promoted by Tata Power.
“Over 80 per cent of the cost of running electricity distribution utility goes towards buying power from generators. The increase in tariff is because of rising power cost,” said a Government official.
The utilities submit their tariff revision applications to the DERC every quarter. The statutory body, after examining the power purchase bills, approves the power purchase cost adjustment charges. A similar practice is also followed in another 17-18 States.
TPDDL, BYPL and BRPL have sought an increase of 2.80 per cent, 7.44 per cent and 9.18 per cent, respectively, the DERC said.