Metro, airport, malls to pay more for power; DMRC may contemplate raising fares

Domestic consumers may end up paying less for electricity but there is no relief for commercial consumers such as the metro, airport, railways and even private malls.

Domestic consumers may end up paying less for electricity but there is no relief for commercial consumers such as the metro, airport, railways and even private malls.

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The rates for commercial categories — including Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and malls — will go up by 11%. DMRC will now pay Rs. 6.10 per unit against existing the Rs. 5.50. The rate for Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has been fixed at Rs. 7.90 against existing the Rs. 7.10 per unit.

DMRC officials on Thursday said they would assess the new tariff order and decide whether to hike commuter fares.

For the railways, the rate has been fixed at Rs. 6.80 per unit as against existing Rs. 6.10. Putting up advertisement and hoardings will also become costly as per unit cost has been increased to Rs. 11.2 from Rs. 10 per unit.

For street lights, traffic signals and blinkers, the rates have been increased slightly but there is no change in power tariff for agricultural use.

The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) chairman said the time of day metering (ToD) will be mandatory for all the commercial users having load of 50 kilo vault and more.

He said those having load between 25KV and 50 KV will have the option of going for ToD. Under ToD, there are different tariff slabs for power consumption in peak and off-peak hours.

Power accounts for 40% of DMRC’s operational costs.