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Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission declared no hike in Retail Supply Tariff for 2014-15

Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission on Saturday declared no hike in Retail Supply Tariff for 2014-15.  Electricity tariff proceedings for 2014-15 had been completed and notified by the OERC by 22.03.2014. But it could not be published in view of the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct by the Election Commission.

 However, it was made public on Saturday (April 26).Though the DISCOMs have projected a higher level of distribution loss of 32.04 Percent, the OERC has considered average distribution loss of 21.38 Percent for determination of the RST for consumers. The DISCOMs have been directed to implement smart metering schemes, energy audit and SCADA on a pilot basis in their areas.

The average bulk supply price (BSP) of the GRIDCO has been reduced by about 2 paise per unit in view of the reduction in power purchase cost from the generators compared to last year. The average BSP is computed at 263.21 paise per unit for 2014-15 against 265.27 paise last year.

However, there is an increase in the average generation tariff of the OHPC power stations (except Chiplima and Indravati) mainly due to an increase in operation and maintenance expenditures. The average generation tariff of all OHPC stations has been fixed at 83.02 paise per unit for 2014-15 against 70.77 paise in 2013-14.

The OERC has not approved purchase of high-cost power from certain Central thermal power stations for State consumption as low-cost power is available from some IPPs inside the State. However, depending on the commercial viability, the GRIDCO may purchase the high cost power and also power available from other sources after meeting the State’s demand for trading purpose. The revenue earned from such trading would wipe out the GRIDCO’s past liabilities.

The transmission charge for the OPTCL has not been changed for 2014-15. It remains the same at 25 paise per unit as was fixed for the last year. The OERC has approved a transmission loss of 3.75 Percent in the OPTCL system as against the loss of 3.80 Percent approved last year. However, there is a slightly increase in SLDC charges.

Source-On Request