KSEB begins levying surcharge of 9 paise per unit as surcharge

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has begun levying 9 paise per unit as a surcharge on electricity bills to recover the additional expenses incurred during power purchases. However, domestic consumers with connected loads of and below 1,000 watts and monthly consumption of and below 40 units, are exempted from paying the surcharge.

Earlier, KSEB had sought permission from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission to impose surcharges. Following this, the commission ordered the board to collect a fuel surcharge of 9 paise on electricity bills for four months from February 1 to May 31.

The commission also gave approval to levy surcharges from all categories of consumers until the additional expense of Rs 87.07 crore was fully recovered by the board. This also applies to consumers of non-distribution licensees in the state. Owing to summer, electricity usage is quite high in Kerala. Hence, the move is likely to double the burden on the consumers.