• Electricity rates in Karnataka hike by 2.89 rupees starting 1st July

    National
    Electricity rates in Karnataka hike by 2.89 rupees starting 1st July
    CM Siddaramaiah announced the new price hike, as well as the Griha Jyoti scheme, which will provide eligible households...

    Digital Desk: Recently, the Government of Karnataka has increased the electricity prices throughout the state by Rs 2.89 per unit for power supply of more than 200 units per month. The step has been taken to enable the Griha Jyoti scheme, which provides a free supply of power to qualified families for up to 200 units.

    The scheme, its implementation, and the price hikes were all disclosed to the media on Monday by the Siddaramaiah-led administration.

    As of July 1, the revised prices will be in effect. The Congress party had pledged an unconditional free electricity programme before the assembly elections.

    According to the Economic Times reports, the statement sparked outrage among the opposition, who held rallies in Bengaluru, Chikkaballapura, Mysuru, and Davangere.

    This announcement follows a 70-paisa per unit increase in electricity tariffs in May. To cover an Rs 8,951 crore revenue deficit, Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs) proposed a 16.38 percent increase (139 paise per unit) in their tariff proposal for 2022.

    The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) did, however, set a limit of 70 paise per unit increase. Citing The Hindu reports, the 8.31% rise could close a revenue deficit of almost Rs 4,457 crore.

    Eligible households can apply for the Griha Jyoti Scheme through the Seva Sindhu site. The plan will go into force in July along with the price increases.