The power tariff for domestic users is set to increase by 6 paise per unit from January 1, 2019. The hike was proposed to compensate for the expenses incurred on removing the electric poles from the middle of the road. Mahavitaran would charge six paisa per unit more. This is the second time when the city dwellers would have to shell out money for the same job. Earlier the power tariff was hiked by 9 paisa per unit for this work from 2011-2014.
It is pertinent to note here that widening of roads in the city was done under the IRDP in 2001-02. In many areas, electric poles which were once on the roadside came on the middle after road was constructed on either sides of the pole. Special project was the planned to remove these poles and shift them on the roadside. To recover the cost of this project the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) increased the power tariff in 2011. Now, the tariff has been revised again and entire burden has been shifted on consumers, who were charged earlier for the same task.
Now, the question arises that why the people who have already given the money are forced to pay the money again?