Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Mar 1: Tata Power has proposed a five-paise-per-unit electricity rate increase, citing revenue losses due to rising coal prices and additional government cess. The Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission held a public hearing at Golmuri Club, where consumer participation remained low.
Tata Power’s Group Regulatory Head, Dilip Kumar, explained, “The company faces a Rs. 19.90 crore revenue shortfall due to increased coal rates and the mandatory use of six percent imported coal. However, we saved Rs. 30 crore by using domestic coal.”
The commission noted that Tata Power, established in 2001-02, has now completed 25 years. Its power supply agreement with Tata Steel extends to 30 years, prompting an evaluation of the plant’s machinery.
Additionally, Tata Power announced plans to install Fuel Gas De-Sulfurization (FGD) technology next year to curb pollution.
During the hearing, local resident Jawaharlal Sharma pointed out, “People have suffered due to fly ash pollution. Immediate action is needed.” Another resident, Vinod Yadav, demanded that Tata Power provide electricity and facilities to nearby panchayats under CSR initiatives.
The commission will review all aspects before making a final decision.
