By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 7: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) on Thursday appealed to Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal to subsidise power tariffs for domestic consumers, in line with provisions under the Indian Electricity Act 2003.
Citing a recent tariff order issued by the Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission on October 24, HITO president Donboklang Dkhar noted that the order, which outlines the tariff structure for 2024-2025, will be retroactively applied from April 1, 2024.
“Significantly, the order mandates that outstanding energy charges be collected in nine equal installments, beginning with the December 2024 billing cycle,” Dkhar said.
HITO raised serious concerns over the impact of this tariff order on domestic consumers, especially those with monthly electricity consumption below 200 units. Dkhar stated that these households, representing a substantial part of the community, will face considerable financial strain due to the new charges, while commercial and industrial high-tension consumers have been granted relief through reduced rates.
“In light of this disparity, we strongly urge your office to act under Section 65 of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 to provide a subsidy for domestic consumers, easing their financial burdens,” Dkhar said.
Furthermore, Dkhar requested a temporary suspension of the October 24 tariff order under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, pending a government directive on subsidy provisions for domestic consumers.
“This matter affects the financial well-being of thousands of registered households in the domestic category. We urge immediate action to address this situation before the next billing cycle begins in December 2024,” the HITO leader added.