Power Tariff Hike: The people of this southern state will now have to pay more for their electricity bills. The Kerala government announced an increase of 16 paise per unit in electricity rates for the financial year 2024-25, effective from December 5. This rate hike will not be the last, as there will be an additional increase of 12 paise per unit in the financial year 2025-26.
This marks the fifth time that electricity rates have been increased during the tenure of the Pinarayi Vijayan government. Since the current government came to power in 2016, customers have faced a growing economic burden due to these rate hikes.
What does the Kerala government say about the increase in electricity rates?
Addressing the media, Power Minister K Krishnankutty said that the increase in tariff is minimal and will not affect the household budget of the common people. He said that the Kerala State Electricity Board-Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had initially requested an increase of 37 paise per unit for the year 2024-25 and 27 paise per unit for the year 2025-26, however, the Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved an increase of only 16 paise and 12 paise per unit. Apart from this, KSEB had requested a proposed increase of nine paise per unit for the financial year 2026-27, which the electricity regulator refused.
Kerala power tariff hike: Government giving ‘electric shock’ to people, says Opposition Leaderhttps://t.co/G7U5l8W0C0
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) December 7, 2024
Which customers will be affected by the higher electricity rates?
The increase in power tariffs will apply to customers who use more than 40 units of electricity per month and have a connected load of more than 1000 watts.
When will customers receive tariff relief?
K. Krishnankutty stated that if the cost of electricity purchased from external sources decreases, customers in the state will be given the benefit.
Which customers will not be affected by the price increase?
Due to the increasing availability of solar energy, domestic customers in the state who use up to 250 units of electricity per month during the day will receive a 10 per cent lower tariff rate.