Karnataka electricity price: Congress explains why it hiked power tariffs

After receiving backlash for increasing the electricity prices in Karnataka, the newly-elected Congress party has explained the reason behind the move.  Recently, the Karnataka government hiked electricity prices by ₹2.89 per unit for those above ‘free’ 200-unit slab.

In a video shared by the party, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate blamed the previous Karnataka government led by Basavaraj Bommai for the rise in electricity prices. In a 2.50 minute-long video, the Congress leader said that the BJP-led Bommai government hiked power tariffs on 12 May 2023, and the next day, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly results were announced, and the Congress party came into power.

Shrinate justified that Congress cannot reverse the Bommai government's order announced on 12 May because of the Central government. Congress' Shrinate claimed that in Electricity (Timely Recovery of Costs due to Change in Law) Rules, 2021 was amended under which the central government directed states that in whatever prices discoms procure electricity it will remain unchangeable.

Further on the announcement of free electricity up to 200 units to Karnataka residents, Shrinate explained that 2.16 crore families in the southern state consume domestic electricity. And, beneficiaries of the Gruha Jyothi scheme are 2.14 crore people. That means only 2 lakh families in Karnataka are excluded from Gruha Jyothi scheme, she added.

Shrinate asserted that if 2.14 crore beneficiaries of Gruha Jyothi scheme consume electricity less than 200 units, they will not have any impact of higher power tariffs.

Yesterday, Karnataka Energy Minister KJ George also Gruha Jyothi scheme and how people can benefit from it.

Clarifying the Karnataka government's announcement to provide free electricity up to 200 units to all domestic consumers, state Power Minister George said that only consumers whose average power consumption plus 10% of it is less than 200 units will be eligible to avail the scheme.

The Minister added that consumers who use more than the allotted units have to pay for the extra units used, with 9% of tax included in it.

"If average power consumption plus 10% is less than 200 units, it will be subsidised. Anything over and above that will have to be paid. Consumers who use more than the allotted units, have to pay for the extra units used. 9% of tax will be included in it," said KJ George, Karnataka Power Minister.

Free power of up to 200 units was one of the election promises of the Congress ahead of the 2023 state assembly election.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced 200 units of free electricity promised by Congress before the elections. He clarified that it will not just be restricted to those staying in their own households but will also be extended to the tenants as well under the Gruha Jyoti Scheme."People should not get confused. We will provide 200 units of free electricity to all households, even if they are staying on rent," Siddaramaiah said.

Karnataka's free power scheme will be implemented from 15 June. Those who want to avail of free power under Gruha Jyoti should enroll through the Seva Sindhu portal of the State Government.