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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Trump says he ‘hasn’t even thought about’ continuing Iran ceasefire
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet considered whether he would continue the ceasefire involving Iran, while also claiming the United States holds the advantage in negotiations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was prepared to make a deal with “whoever is running the show” in Iran.
“They are fighting with each other, there’s tremendous infighting. They’re probably fighting for leadership in many cases. I think they’re fighting not to be leader because we knocked out two levels of leaders,” he said.
Trump added, “When they want they can call me. We have all the cards, we’ve won everything.”
Referring to ongoing negotiations, he said, “They gave us a paper that should’ve been better. And, interestingly, immediately when I cancelled it [envoy trip to Pakistan], within 10 minutes we got a new paper that was much better.”
“We talked about they will not have a nuclear weapon, very simple … They offered a lot, but not enough,” he added.
When asked whether he would continue the ceasefire, Trump replied, “I haven’t even thought about it.”
The remarks come as uncertainty remains over the future of the temporary truce and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
