Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission Approves Revised Tariff With ToD Billing
TSECL had sought recovery of Rs 17.09 billion (bn) covering past true up gaps, provisional shortfalls and carrying costs. The utility proposed higher fixed charges and a regulatory surcharge to bridge the deficit. The commission approved the gaps and costs but avoided passing the full burden to consumers in a single year.
Referring to Supreme Court directions the commission adopted a phased recovery mechanism. Only one fifth of the approved true up gap for FY 2023-24 and one third for FY 2024-25 were included in the ARR for the present year. The method spread impact on tariffs while maintaining a trajectory to financial stability.
The revised order introduced moderate increases in energy charges with domestic consumers using up to 150 units facing a rise of 15 paisa per unit and higher domestic consumption, irrigation, public water works, public lighting and special utilities seeing a rise of 20 paisa per unit. All other categories saw an increase of 35 paisa per unit. Fixed charges continue to be billed on connected load per kilowatt (kW).
Load management provisions allow upward revision of contracted load when recorded maximum demand exceeds contracted load for three consecutive months and permit downward revision when demand remains lower. Time of Day tariffs are mandatory for most consumers with specified exemptions. Solar hours between nine AM and five PM will be charged at 80 per cent of normal tariff and peak hours at higher rates, with smart meters introduced gradually. A 10 per cent rebate for designated categories and the green tariff of Rs 0.75 per kWh have been retained.