Power tariff rates expected to soar in UP by June 2023

In a bid to address the challenges posed by the rising operational costs of thermal power plants and the escalating costs of fuel, especially coal, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) is expected to announce revised power tariffs by the first week of June.

The revised power tariff has been registered by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), under which the corporation has proposed a hike of up to 23% for various categories of consumers. Furthermore, UPPCL has proposed a hike of 18% for the urban domestic consumers of Lucknow, Kanpur and other UP districts.

Reportedly, the power tariff rates haven't been augmented since 2018-19.

Initially, the UPERC will collate the public objections and send a report to the discoms for their feedback. The corporation will then consider the objections, observations and feedback of all stakeholders before formally announcing the revised tariff rates.

Furthermore, the UPPCL has presented the Annual Revenue Realized (ARR) figures, which include revenue recovery for each unit of power produced as well as the impact of power theft and billing discrepancies.

By adjusting the tariffs, the UPERC aims to strike a balance between the costs of production and the affordability of power for consumers, while ensuring that consumers continue to receive a reliable power supply.