Electricity rates in Uttar Pradesh can now change every month, just like petrol and diesel prices change daily or LPG gas rates change from time to time. The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) is now preparing to give the power companies the right to implement “Fuel and Power Purchase Adjustment Surcharge” (FPPAS) every month. Till now this change used to happen on a quarterly basis, but now electricity rates can go up or down every month.
What is the plan?
This proposal of UPERC will allow electricity companies to change their surcharge every month, in which they will not need the approval of the regulatory commission every time. According to the guidelines of the central government, now it will be possible to change the electricity prices every month.
When will the hearing take place?
A public hearing will be held on September 19 to discuss this proposal, in which the public and various stakeholders will be able to give their opinion. This decision is very important for the general public as it will have a direct impact on the electricity bill.
What is the current system?
Currently, power companies propose fuel surcharge on a quarterly basis and have to take the approval of the regulatory commission before implementing it. But in the new system, companies will be able to change electricity rates every month, which will have a direct impact on consumers.
Questions raised on consumer interests
President of Uttar Pradesh Consumer Council, Awadhesh Prasad Verma, has expressed concern over this decision. He says that companies can misuse this rule and put more burden on consumers. Although if fuel prices decrease then consumers may get relief, but in most cases electricity bills are likely to increase.
What will be the impact?
Electricity bills will change every month: Now consumers may have to face changing electricity bills every month. If the fuel price increases, the bills will also increase. Relief or burden: On some occasions, there may be relief when the fuel price decreases, but consumers feel that most of the time the bill will increase due to this.
What next?
The general public, consumer organizations and people from the industry will present their views in the public hearing to be held on September 19. It will be decided only after this hearing whether the plan to change electricity prices every month will be implemented or not.
Now it remains to be seen whether this decision brings relief to the public or increases the burden!
