Karnataka power utilities seek tariff revision as industry body opposes hike
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s electricity supply companies have approached the state regulator to address a cumulative revenue gap of nearly ₹4,900 crore, triggering opposition from industry groups who warned that any increase in power tariffs would strain manufacturing and commercial operations.
The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) said higher electricity costs would significantly affect factories and industrial units, as the five electricity supply companies (ESCOMs) sought regulatory approval to true up their accounts for 2024-25 and highlighted a sharp divergence between approved costs and actual expenditure, as reported by The Hindu.
In annual performance review submissions to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) recorded the highest deficit among utilities, with a revenue gap of ₹2,802.82 crore. The utilities cited increasing power purchase costs, increased finance charges, growing operation and maintenance expenses, and lower-than-expected revenue realization as major causes of the shortfall. They also claimed that a rate revision was required to ensure financial survival.
Bescom’s petition, however, did not specify the scale of any proposed tariff increase, seeking only approval for the truing-up of its financial year 2025 accounts based on audited figures and leaving the determination of any hike to the Commission.
According to its filing, Bescom’s aggregate revenue requirement for FY 2025 stood at ₹34,708.97 crore, compared with ₹31,905.88 crore in revenue from power sales. The utility reported an average cost of supply of ₹9.35 per unit, while average tariff realisation was ₹8.59 per unit against the approved ₹9.54. It also flagged higher power purchase and financing costs and a decline in other income, while noting savings from reduced distribution losses.
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Biker killed, pillion rider injured in truck-motorbike collision in Chamarajnagar
Chamarajnagar: In a collision between a truck and motorbike outside the fire brigade office near RS Doddi, located a short distance away from Hanur town, the bike rider was killed on the spot while the pillion rider sustained severe injuries.
The 30-year-old rider, identified as Ganesh, a resident of Laggere in Bengaluru, was traveling to Male Mahadeshwara Hills with his friend Nagaraju during night time, when the truck coming down the road in the opposite direction collided with their bike head-on.
While Ganesh died on the spot, Nagaraju was grievously injured due to the intensity of the collision.
Nagaraju is being treated at the Government Sub-divisional Hospital, Kollegal.
The body of Ganesh has been shifted to the mortuary of the government hospital.
