In an effort to address mounting financial losses, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO) announced a revised power tariff for different sections of consumers on Monday. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has approved a "small" revision in the rates, according to TANGEDCO's release, as reported by PTI.
This marks the third consecutive year of increasing electricity charges with Tangedco earlier increasing rates by 52.6% on September 10, 2022 and 2.18% on July 1, 2023.
Revised Power Tariff In TN
The revised tariff will see a nominal increase for domestic consumers, ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 40, depending on the consumption category. Despite the revision, TANGEDCO assured that the free power up to 100 units for all domestic consumers and subsidies for sectors such as handlooms, agriculture, and places of worship would continue.
For the 63 lakh domestic consumers using up to 200 units over two months, the increase will be a maximum of Rs 5 per month. For the 35 lakh domestic users consuming up to 300 units over two months, the hike will be Rs 15 per month. Consumers using 400 units and 500 units over two months will see an increase of Rs 25 and Rs 40 per month, respectively, as per the report.
In addition to domestic consumers, the tariff for low and high transmission industries has been revised by 35 paise per unit.
Opposition Criticises DMK Govt
Criticising the DMK government, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said Chief Minister MK Stalin has imposed the tariff hike on people following the completion of the Lok Sabha election and the Vikravandi by-poll. "Without the basic capacity to provide uninterrupted power, I strongly condemn the DMK government for repeatedly increasing the electricity tariff," he said.
However, the tariff revision has faced opposition from political parties, including the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), who have voiced their discontent with the decision.