The Jabalpur Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on March 16, passed a order regarding the electricity rates in Madhya Pradesh.
A Single-Judge Bench of Justice Vishal Dhagat heard the petition filed by Nirmal Lohia, a resident of Tikamgarh, through Advocate Rahul Rawat.
The counsel appearing for petitioner submitted that as per Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Determination of Tariff for supply and Wheeling of Electricity and Methods and Principles for Fixation of Charges) Regulations, 2015, regulation 12 provides for suggestions and objections from public before increase of arrears and tariff.
Counsel for petitioner further submitted that as per Regulation 12, Petitioner has submitted his objection on 03.03.2021 before the Commission. It is alleged that Petitioner’s objection has not been considered and a public notice has been issued for increase of tariff and matter is considered and final order is to be passed shortly.
The Counsel claimed that no final order may be passed by Commission as proper opportunity of hearing as per Regulation 12 has not been provided to petitioner and other interested public in the matter.
The Court while considering the matter ordered that
“Commission will not pass final order in Public Notice (Petition No.5/2021), Reference No.MPERC/2021/265 in respect of ARR and Tariff till next date of hearing.”
Along with this, the High Court has issued a notice to the power companies, including the state government, and has summoned the reply.
The next hearing of this case will be held on April 26.
Madhya Pradesh is one of those states in the country, where electricity prices are the highest, despite the fact power companies have sent proposals to increase the rate. It has been said on their behalf that the rising prices can also be controlled. For this, the government will have to increase the capacity of thermal power plants. By doing this, the income of electricity companies will increase and the revenue gap between income and expenses will be reduced. However, if the capacity of thermal power generating houses is not increased, then the Electricity Commission will have to increase the prices.
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