Residents fume over power rate hike plan

The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has decided to hike electricity tariff by about R1.5 per unit for domestic, industrial and commercial consumers in Noida and Ghaziabad.

The Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has decided to hike electricity tariff by about R1.5 per unit for domestic, industrial and commercial consumers in Noida and Ghaziabad.

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According to corporation officials, the new rates would come into effect by mid-November.

The UPPCL has singled out Noida and Ghaziabad for its new tariff plan. This has not gone down well with the residents of the two cities. The power body’s logic is that “well-to-do Noida and Ghaziabad residents” can afford to pay more for power.

"Residents in Noida and Ghaziabad can afford to pay more to get 24x7 power supply. We purchase power at R8-9 per unit other states. So, we have no option but to increase the tariff," said a senior UPPCL official, requesting anonymity.

Residents and industrialists have termed the move as unjustified as the corporation had increased electricity rate (for commercial and industrial consumers) by up to 30% in the first week of October.

“We had opposed the earlier hike too. If the rates are increased again, we will make the government sign a bond, stating that there will be no power cut. But if the situation does not change even after that, we will not pay the bill," said Vipin Malhan, president, Noida Entrepreneurs’ Association.

The power corporation has said that all consumers (domestic, industrial and commercial) will have to shell out extra money for 24x7 supply.

"The hike is unacceptable. We are already burdened with reduction in subsidy for cooking gas and soaring petrol and diesel prices. We will take to streets against the UPPCL's decision," said NP Singh, president, Federation of Noida RWAs.

"We have sent a proposal to hike R1.5 per unit to the state government. It will be approved in 15 days and enforced in the two cities thereafter," said CL Gupta, superintending engineer, UPPCL.