MERC to hold urgent hearing on Mahavitaran’s demand

Following the state power distribution company, Mahavitaran’s claim that the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) was responsible for causing a financial mess, Merc has decided to hear the company out through a public hearing on June 9.

Following the state power distribution company, Mahavitaran’s claim that the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) was responsible for causing a financial mess, Merc has decided to hear the company out through a public hearing on June 9.

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In the past two days, HT carried reports about consumers’ opposition to Mahavitaran’s demand for a tariff hike of Rs10,800 crore and the company’s counter charge that MERC’s delaying tactics had caused financial problems ofr the company and its consumers.

The commission will discuss Mahavitaran’s demand for permission to recover at least Rs 3,037 cr from consumers without any further delay. It will also decide whether Mahavitaran should be allowed to impose additional charges.

Consumer activist Pratap Hogade decried MERC’s move. “It is unacceptable and unethical because Merc has issued just four days before the public hearing. How does the commission expect consumers like us to prepare?”