Consumers Face Discontent as Electricity Board Hikes Service Charges Despite Unsatisfactory Services

In a move causing discontent among consumers, the electricity board has decided to increase service charges for various operations such as adding a post, changing meters, ownership, tariff, and new connections. Despite existing dissatisfaction with the quality of services provided, the board justifies this hike as a necessary step to offset an estimated one thousand crore rupees annual loss. The decision to raise service charges comes on top of frequent electricity rate hikes, surcharges, and additional fees, with the board having already secured 720 crore through recent rate adjustments.

The board attributes the need for service charge increases to cover rising costs of materials and claims to have sought Regulatory Commission approval for a sixty percent hike. However, due to potential public backlash, the commission has only permitted a ten percent increase, leading to an estimated fifteen percent overall rise. With consumers forced to pay for electricity regardless of the dissatisfaction, the new charges will be calculated on a kilowatt basis, adding to the burden on users. This move contrasts with promises made in some states to provide free electricity up to a certain unit, reflecting the ongoing challenges of managing electricity costs and services in various regions.