Agitations stop AERC from hiking power tariff: All Assam Electricity Consumers' Association (AAECA)

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The All Assam Electricity Consumers' Association (AAECA) has claimed that the series of agitations it has staged in the state have prevented the AERC (Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission) from hiking power tariffs.

AAECA convener Ajay Acharjee said, "The AERC refused to accept the APDCL's (Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd.) proposal to hike the power tariff by around Rs 1 per unit. Though the AERC hiked the fixed meter charge by Rs 10 per kwh, it reduced the power tariff by 10-20 paisa per unit, category wise. The long agitations in the state against the power tariff have had their effects on the decision taken by the AERC. The AAECA staged repeated and serial agitations against power tariff hikes in the state. During the public hearing by the AERC on the APDCL's proposed power tariff on February 28, 2023, we vehemently opposed the proposal with sufficient reasoning. We did appeal to the AERC not to hike the power tariff at any cost. In the days ahead, the consumers will have to oppose in unison any power tariff hike proposal."