You may soon have to pay more for electricity. The three power distribution companies submitted their Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) report to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), triggering talk of another rise in power tariff. The power distribution companies have to submit ARR reports each year, detailing their profits or losses and assets they need to build on. Based on this report, the DERC decides if the discoms require a hike in tariff.

However, according to sources, a hike is inevitable with the extent of hike likely to be between 2 per cent and 12 per cent. A consultant has been hired by the DERC to study the ARR and submit a report.

"We have received the petition by the discoms and a decision will be taken soon. A consultant has also been hired to study the documents that discoms have submitted. In a few months' time, we will also conduct a public hearing where residents and their welfare associations will participate to voice their grievances," said PD Sudhakar, the DERC chairman.

The burden of the hike is less compared to the past few years. Officials maintained that while the extent of hike was lower, discoms had several outstanding dues, which needed to be paid. Based on that, the hike may be higher than the proposed 2-12%.

"We have submitted our ARR to the DERC. But we have been told that a consultant will study all the documents in depth. In the upcoming hearing, based on people's reactions, objections and the suggestions that they offer, a final decision will be taken," said a discom's spokesperson. This year the city had witnessed a power tariff hike of 26 per cent, increasing people's electricity bills significantly.