Power Tariff hike is due to excessive rise in global gas prices, says Tripura Power Minister

The Minister for the Power Department in the Government of Tripura, Ratan Lal Nath attributed a 7 per cent power tariff hike to the substantial rise in global gas prices. Furthermore, Nath highlighted that during the Left Front regime, power tariffs surged 134 percent from 2006-07 to 2014-15.

Speaking at a press conference in Agartala on Tuesday, the Power Minister emphasized that the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC) made the decision to raise power tariffs after consulting with all relevant stakeholders. He underlined that there is a structured and transparent process for revising power tariffs, with the Regulatory Commission playing a pivotal role in defining tariff standards across the country.

Nath explained, “We issued advertisements in the media to invite public opinions on the tariff revision. Various organizations, including the Tripura Electricity Consumer Association, ILS Hospital, and Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, raised objections before the TERC.”

He continued, “The decision to revise power tariffs followed a hearing conducted by the State Advisory Commission. The state government and the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited were not directly involved in this decision-making process.”

The Minister pointed out that the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) was established in 2005, and the Regulatory Commission increased power tariffs the following year. Subsequently, there were tariff hikes of 46.09 percent in 2010-11, 7.75 percent in 2012-13, 40.45 percent in 2013-14, and 5.83 percent in 2014-15.

Nath pointed out, “During the tenure of the Left government from 2006-07 to 2014-15, power tariffs saw a cumulative increase of 134 percent. In contrast, the present government has raised tariffs by only 7 percent.”

Nath also pointed out that a 5 percent concession on the total electricity bill if paid within 15 days will be available.Besides, a more substantial 15 percent concession for tea gardens will be available.

He also highlighted the efforts of the recently established Tripura Power Transport Regulatory in enhancing electricity services.

Accompanying Nath at the press conference were Sarvajit Singh Dogra, Director of TSECL (Finance), Ranjan Debbarma, General Manager (Transmission), and Sujata Sarkar, Deputy General Manager (Commercial).