Date:08/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/08/stories/2008080850150100.htm

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Cut power consumption: SERC

Special Correspondent

Steep tariff hike likely if power demand reigns high

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) has urged all sections of people to avoid extravagant use of electricity to enable the State overcome the ongoing power crisis in the State.

In a press release here on Thursday, the commission said that only a drastic reduction in power consumption would prevent a steep increase in electricity charges (since the State would have to go for expensive thermal energy to make good the shortfall in power generation capacity caused by a poor monsoon and certain other factors).

The commission asked the people to completely avoid extravagant illuminations. They should use compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, which consumed less electricity, as far as possible. And under no circumstances should anyone use water heaters, air-conditioners, fridges, water pumps, electric ovens and electric irons between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The commission said workshops, flour mills and welding shops should take care not to use electricity between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The commission said that the KSEB’s petition seeking the imposition of ‘thermal surcharges’ ranging from 40 per cent to 70 per cent of the normal power tariff rates was now under its consideration. This surcharge was in addition to a 25-per cent restriction on electricity use already imposed on High Tension and Extra High Tension consumers. Consumers in this category who could not restrict their consumption (due to unavoidable reasons) would have to pay high rates for the energy used by them in excess of the ceilings fixed for them.