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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh residents raise red flags over power tariff hike proposal at JERC hearing
Residents vehemently opposed the proposed hike in electricity tariffs during a public hearing conducted by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) on Friday. The hearing was held in response to a petition submitted by Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), seeking approval for revised tariffs for the financial years 2025-26 to 2029-30. Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited has projected a cumulative revenue gap of ₹ 982 crore (excluding carrying costs) over the next five years and has requested a suitable tariff revision to cover the shortfall. (HT File Photo for representation) In its petition, CPDL stated that the projected revenue from power sales at the current rates is insufficient to meet the estimated costs of efficient electricity distribution. The utility company has projected a cumulative revenue gap of ₹982 crore (excluding carrying costs) over the next five years and has requested a suitable tariff revision to cover the shortfall. Residents, however, expressed strong resentment over the proposed hike, citing that tariffs had already been increased recently. 'Another hike would be a double blow to consumers,' said members of various residents' associations. Indian Citizens' Forum (ICF) president SK Nayar and secretary Narinder Sharma pointed out that CPDL has launched a load self-declaration scheme for low-tension (LT) consumers. They claimed the form provided is neither approved by the JERC nor in accordance with the JERC Supply Code, making it difficult for consumers to fill correctly. This, they said, could lead to inflated bills due to misdeclared load and requested that the scheme be put on hold until proper approval is obtained. The ICF also raised concerns about the transfer of 220KV substations and feeders to CPDL, stating that assets above 66KV fall under the jurisdiction of the transmission utility, not the distribution licencee. They demanded separate tariff approvals for transmission and exclusion of transmission losses from the current petition. Highlighting inefficiencies, the ICF noted that losses mentioned in Para 4.2.5 of the petition are higher than those approved previously, indicating a lack of effort by the former licencee. They urged the commission not to pass these losses onto consumers.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Power play in UT: Public voices rise against tariff hike
1 2 Chandigarh: The usually serene halls of the Government Museum & Art Gallery, Sector 10, echoed with passionate pleas and pointed protests as the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) held a public hearing on electricity tariff proposals and power management for the current financial year. Citizens, activists, and representatives from across the city gathered to challenge what many called an "unjust" and "exploitative" hike in electricity charges. Representing over 100 Resident Welfare Associations, Crawfed came out swinging against Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL). Their spokesperson lambasted the proposed increase in both usage and fixed charges, highlighting a staggering 500% rise in fixed charges over the past two decades. "This is not just unfair—it's inhumane," they declared, demanding that tariffs be based on actual consumption rather than the number of household appliances. Crawfed also called for an overhaul of CPDL's operations, urging JERC to curb unannounced power cuts that continue to disrupt daily life. The members of the Indian Citizens' Forum (ICF) raised the issue of refunding wrongly charged meter rentals and payment of compensation to all complainants in Chandigarh for the wrongful charging of meter rentals. SK Nayar, President, ICF, submitted, "CPDL has floated a scheme for SELF DECLARATION of LOAD for LT consumers only, but the format circulated is neither as per JERC approved format of Supply Code. This scheme is meant only for LT consumers and that too for excess load only, it means no HT consumer is allowed to avail benefit of this scheme to increase or decrease his load. Similarly, LT consumer also not allowed decreasing his load as per this scheme whereas no such bar exists in the Supply Code, 2018 with its up-to-date amendment." Narinder Sharma, Secretary, ICF, stated, "In case of defective/stuck/stopped/burnt meter, the consumer shall be billed on the basis of higher of monthly consumption of corresponding month of the previous year and average monthly consumption of immediately preceding three months. These charges shall be leviable for a maximum period of three months only during which time the Licensee is expected to have replaced the defective meter. " AAP sounds alarm on privatization fallout The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh unit opposed the electricity tariff hike. AAP leaders formally submitted a memorandum and voiced their objections during the public hearing. "This was the first tariff hike after the privatisation of the electricity wing in 2025, when the profitable govt-run department was handed over to Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL). AAP opposed this privatisation from day one, participating in city-wide protests alongside electricity department employees. We warned that this company would exploit the public to show artificial losses and hike tariffs; today our fears have come true," said AAP Chandigarh President Vijaypal Singh. MSID:: 122906868 413 |
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Wrongly charged meter rental: Chandigarh power dept, CPDL put on notice for not issuing refund
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has issued a show-cause notice to both the UT electricity department and the Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited for not refunding wrongly charged meter rental for 16 months. The matter was brought to the commission's notice by members of the Indian Citizens Forum (ICF). (HT photo for representation) The commission directed both the agencies to submit their reply within two weeks, showing cause why action should not be taken against them under Sector 142 of the Electricity Act, 2003. In the absence of replies, suo motu proceedings will be initiated against them. The matter was brought to the commission's notice by members of the Indian Citizens Forum (ICF), alleging wrongly charged meter rental from consumers of all categories in Chandigarh for 16 months by the Chandigarh electricity department (CED), renamed as Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) after privatisation from February 1, 2025. The JERC stated that the orders passed by the Consumers Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF), Chandigarh, against a complaint was upheld by the Ombudsman on April 16, 2025, to the extent that CED and CPDL should make efforts to refund the meter-rental charges from consumers, along with interest. The commission stated that there had already been a delay of almost four months that consumers had not been refunded their legitimate amount, along with admissible interest. Any further delay will be viewed seriously and it will amount to contempt, it added. ICF president SK Nayar and secretary Narinder Sharma met CPDL director Arun Kumar Verma and general manager MP Singh to discuss the issue. Verma reportedly assured the delegation of immediate refund through bills, as soon as they get the list of consumers from CED.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
JERC pulls up CPDL, CED over delay in refunding excess meter rentals
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has issued a show-cause notice to the Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) and the Chandigarh Electricity Department (CED) for failing to implement orders directing the refund of wrongly charged meter rentals to city consumers. The notice, dated July 17, 2025, warns that unless both agencies reply within two weeks, JERC will initiate proceedings under Section 142 of the Electricity Act, 2003. It follows repeated reminders by the Electricity Ombudsman, who upheld a Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF) order on April 16, 2025, in favour of the Indian Citizens Forum (ICF). The ombudsman had directed CED and CPDL to refund excess meter rentals collected over 16 months with interest at the base rate of the State Bank of India, correct all bills within 15 days, and pay consumers Rs 100 per day for delays beyond the stipulated period. It also required the agencies to submit a compliance report within 30 days. Despite the order, refunds have not yet reached consumers, a delay of nearly four months that the ombudsman warned could amount to contempt. The ICF delegation, led by president S K Nayar and secretary Narinder Sharma, met CPDL director Arun Kumar Verma and general manager M P Singh on Wednesday, pressing for immediate refunds. Verma assured the forum that CPDL would process refunds through upcoming bills as soon as it receives the final list of affected consumers from CED. The ICF leaders said they would continue to monitor the issue. 'Consumers cannot be made to wait endlessly for what is rightfully theirs,' Nayar said, adding that further delays would leave the regulator with 'no option but to act'.
