Power tariffs likely to increase: CERC

11 Nov 2011 Evaluate

After the petrol price hike, the power tariff across the country is also expected to increase on the back of shortage of coal in the domestic market and dependence of power companies on imported coals. Pramod Deo Chairman of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), said 'since there is shortage of coal in the domestic market, companies will have to depend on imported coal, which is very costly. If fuel cost goes up, the tariff hike is inevitable.'

As per the latest data of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) around 38 coal-base projects from 98 coal-base projects were running with supercritical fuel stock to run for less than 4 days, and another 11 projects have coal to operate for less than 7 days against the requirement of 22 days.

On the other hand, the international thermal coal prices have increased by almost 20% to $120 a tonne and Coal India, the largest coal producer, has failed to meet the demand from domestic power firms. The increased cost of fuel is reflected in Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC), which has to pass on to the consumers in the form of increased tariffs.

'We understand that consumers will be burdened with the increase in tariff. But if there is shortage of fuel and it has to be procured at higher cost, then it will have to be passed on,' Deo added. By adding further he said, ‘under the ultra mega power projects, state governments have done long term contracts for 25 to 30 years with many power firms. However, with the uncertainty in the coal availability and increase in prices, the state government should also consider at medium term contract of around 8-10 years.’

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