The cost of electricity for most categories of consumers in Himachal Pradesh has been raised by 30 paise to 55 paise per unit.
For the domestic category, the tariff has been raised by 30 paise per unit for all slabs.
The tariff for non-domestic and non-commercial category has been raised by 40 paise to Rs 4.45 paise. For commercial category by 30 paise to Rs 4.60 paise.
For monthly consumption of up to 150 units, the tariffs have been increased from 70 paise per unit and 151 units and above from Rs 1.70 to Rs 2 per unit if the government subsidy continues.
But power rates for below poverty line (BPL) families, small industries and the agriculture sector remain unchanged, a spokesman of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission said.
The government will have to provide Rs 163 crore to maintain subsidy at the existing level. At the same time the average cost of supply has gone up from Rs 3.60 per unit to Rs 4.42 per unit. Street light charges have now gone up to Rs 4 per unit.
“In view of the steep rise in power purchase costs, drop in quantum of power for sale outside the state and rise in staff cost, we had to increase the tariffs,” said chairman of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission Yogesh Khanna.
Power surplus Himachal Pradesh is one of the first states in the country to be completely electrified way back in 1989.
