Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Feb 13: The Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd. (MESCOM) has submitted a proposal to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seeking a 0.59 rupee increase in the unit price of electricity.

During a meeting held at the MESCOM auditorium in Bejai, Mangalore, on Monday, the proposal was presented by Padmavati, the managing director of MESCOM, in the presence of the public.

Industrialists, agriculturists, and members of the public strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that the current tariff is already excessively high and that electricity prices should not be raised under any circumstances.

P Ravikumar, the president of KERC, participated in the meeting via video conference and criticized MESCOM for continuously raising prices without making improvements in customer service. However, MESCOM's managing director defended the proposed increase, citing a deficit of Rs 351.96 crore expected in the fiscal year 2024-25 due to higher expenses compared to revenue.

Padmavati stated that the unit cost of electricity would rise from the current Rs 8.32 to Rs 8.91 if the proposal is approved, necessitating the increase of 0.59 rupees.

Hanumantha Kamath, representing the public, suggested that any increase in electricity prices should be based on a slab method, as was done previously, to prevent placing a heavy burden on those who do not benefit from the Gruha Jyoti guarantee scheme.

Industrialists and agriculturists also voiced their grievances during the meeting. Rajendra Suvarna, president of ice plants in Karnataka, highlighted the heavy burden imposed by frequent increases in electricity tariffs on businesses dependent on the fishing industry.