BANGALORE: President of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) JR Bangera termed the tariff hike as ill timed owing to the prevailing drought.“The cost of energy for HT2 consumers has seen an increase of Rs 1.10per KWH. For LT Industrial Consumers the increase is 90 paisa per KWH amounting rendering the industrial operations expensive,” Bangera said in a statement.FKCCI, however accepted that it was ‘reasonable’ to expect a tariff revision in light of the rising prices of coal and other fuels. However, Bangera stressed that the KERC must also look at enforcing standards of performance in generating bodies and ESCOMS.Former chairman of the CII’s Karnataka State Council Chandrasekhar, however describe the hike as ‘reasonable’.“Regular tariff hike is a good step as it would help to avoid a situation where a huge amount is asked for at one time,” Chandrashekar said. He added that consumers and industry must get used to the idea of tariff revision every year."While no hike was expected, 20 paisa is reasonable,” he added.Facing a 20 paisa hike in their tariff rates for the power supplied by BESCOM, BMRCL will now have to pay Rs 4.60 per unit as compared to the earlier Rs 4.40.BMRCL had contested the tariff hike petition before the KERC . “The KERC has taken its decision. We have no comment on the matter,” said YB Chavan,the spokesperson of BMRCL.The Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association termed the hike as shocking and ‘most unexpected’. “It is saddening to see that there is no way to enhance the efficiency of our ESCOM’s than hurting the small industry sector. Our hopes of progress are nipped in the bud with this hike,” said president of KASSIA A Vijayendranath in a statement.
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