Mumbai and suburban citizens using power up till 100 mw are likely to get uniform electricity tariff henceforth. The government is preparing a report to implement uniform power tariff for the city, to which private companies have given their nod. Energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday in this regards and assured him that the decision would be taken in eight days. However, the opposition has termed it as populist announcement ahead of the BMC polls and said it cannot be implemented.
“Consumers using power upto 100 mw will benefit from it. The decision is yet to be finalised but the private companies have agreed in-principle to the proposal,” Mr Bawankule said.
“We will take the decision in eight days. A private consultant is hired to give us a detailed report. The companies will have to bear the additional charges to make a uniform power tariff,” the minister said.
The announcement to have uniform power tariff on the lines of Delhi was made by the BJP-led government a few months ago. The government also held meetings with the power companies and told them to come up with suggestions. Tata Power has given its consent to the idea of a uniform power tariff with the condition of subsidy to the needy only.
However, the opposition Congress has termed the announcement as hogwash. “The government is just trying to lure the voters ahead of the BMC polls. First of all, the all power supply companies have sent revised power tariff proposals to the MERC for approval. So, even if the decision of uniform power tariff is taken, the government won’t be able to implement it. The matter is before the quasi-judicial body for hearing,” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.
He was referring to proposals sent to MERC by Tata Power, Reliance and BEST demanding a hike in tariff for this year.
