AP Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has questioned the logic put forward by Aptransco that if the power tariffs are not hiked the company will accrue a defifict of Rs 3,461 crore this fiscal.
The doubt was expressed not only by the consumer representatives, but also by the government when the principal secretary, energy, asked the commission to ascertain the data provided by Aptransco.
Based on the correct figures, the subsidy to be passed on to the power utility by the government could be worked, he said.
On behalf of the consumers, the director (tariff) of APERC questioned Aptransco's figure of Rs 3, 461 crore that was estimated to be higher by about Rs 1,000 crore. Most of the figures and calculations made by Aptransco in terms of cost of supply and growth in consumption by various categories that had led to arrive at the figure of Rs 3,461 crore deficit have been questioned. Aptransco will reply today before the commission.
The various figures of cost of supply and quantum of supply to various categories are critical to work out the subsidy by the state government. While the government is empowered under AP Electricity Reform Act, 1988 to issue policy directives concerning subsidies to be allowed to any category of consumer in addition to the subsidy permitted by the commission, it is required to compensate to the extent of the subsidies granted . Under this Act, the commission shall determine the amount and the terms and conditions and the time frame on which such amounts are paid by the state government.
