THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Electricity Regulatory Commission will announce the new electricity tariff tomorrow (Monday). KSEB has demanded an increase in the rate by at least 34 paise per unit on average. This is an average increase of eight percent from the current rate. It is unlikely to be accepted as such.

The commission transparently completed the rate hike process with public evidence collection and consultation with experts. It will come into effect from December 1. KSEB has also proposed to levy a summer additional tariff of 10 paise per unit from January to May.

According to KSEB, the monthly revenue is Rs 1,950 crore and the expenditure is Rs 1,750 crore. Rs 900 crore is required to buy electricity from outside alone. Rs 300 crore has to be found to repay the loan. The board says it will incur a loss of more than Rs 2,000 crore annually.

However, the regulatory commission has estimated a loss of Rs 1370.09 crore this year, Rs 1108.03 crore next year and Rs 1065.95 crore in 2026-27. The tariff revision will be based on this.

According to KSEB, if the rates are increased, it will generate an additional revenue of Rs 812.16 crore this year, Rs 1399.93 crore next year and Rs 1522.92 crore in 2026-27. If the summer tariff is also approved, it will generate an additional revenue of Rs 111.08 crore this year, Rs 233 crore next year and Rs 349 crore in 2026-27.

The second Pinarayi Vijayan government had implemented rate hikes on June 26, 2022 and November 1, 2023. The rates were increased by 10 paise to 90 paise. The current tariff, which ended on October 30, was extended till November 30.

Rate hike demanded by KSEB in households

(In order of slab unit, current rate, requested increase)

0-50 .................. 3.25............ 3.35

51-100...............4.05.............4.25

101-150.............5.10.............5.30

151-200.............6.95.............7.20

201-250............8.20..............8.50

Those who use more

0-300.......................6.40................6.70

0-350........................7.25................7.55

0-400.......................7.60.................7.90

0-500.......................7.90..................8.20

More than 500....... 8.80..................9.10