Shillong, Oct 30: The Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (MSERC) has sparked controversy with its mid-year revision of industrial HT and domestic electricity rates. The new tariff order, issued on October 28, 2024, under Chairman Chandan Kumar Mondol, surprisingly favors industries with lower rates while burdening domestic consumers.
Revised Tariff Rates:
<span;>- _Domestic Consumers:_
– Fixed charges: ₹90 per kilowatt per month
– Energy charges: ₹5.55 per kilowatt for the first 100 units and ₹5.65 per kilowatt for the next 100 units
<span;>- _Industrial Consumers:_
– Fixed charges: ₹310 per kilowatt per month
– Energy charges: ₹6.51 per kilowatt
This revision is a departure from the earlier tariff approved by former Chairman PW Ingty for 2024-2025, which had lower rates for domestic consumers. Previously, domestic consumers paid ₹80 per kilowatt per month, with energy charges of ₹4 per kilowatt for the first 100 units and ₹4.50 per kilowatt for the next 100 units.
The MSERC has ordered a bill revision for all consumers starting December 2024, with increased rates to be recovered from domestic consumers and refunded to HT industrial consumers. This move has raised eyebrows, sparking concerns about the commission’s priorities and the impact on the general public