Date:12/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/12/stories/2005121200051300.htm

Back Call to reduce power tariffs in Kerala

Our Bureau

Kochi , Dec. 11

THE High Tension and Extra High Tension Electricity Consumers Association has urged the government to reduce the power tariffs, saying that the present situation did not warrant a continuation of the hike due to the comfortable position in the storage levels of reservoirs.

The President of the association, Mr S. Jayathilakan, in a representation submitted to the State Electricity Minister pointed out that the hike in power tariff, which was enhanced by 50 paise per unit from October 2002, was imposed due to compelling reasons.

The reason cited was the high cost of thermal power purchase necessitated by insufficient rains. The Minister had promised to withdraw the hike in the event of better rains, he said.

Mr Jayathilakan said the monsoon this year has been good and the storage levels in the hydel reservoirs have reached the maximum.