The industrial power tariff in Maharashtra will soon be the lowest compared to other states. The present rate of Rs 8.32 per unit will be lowered to Rs 7.38 in the next phase, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The industrial power tariff in Tamil Nadu is Rs 9.04, in Gujarat Rs 8.98, and in Karnataka it is Rs 7.75.
Fadnavis was replying to the issue raised by Abhijit Wanjari in the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Fadnavis said the electricity will now be purchased on the ‘Merit Order Dispatch’ system, under which power from private companies is purchased at a cheaper rate. With the increasing use of solar energy, wind energy, and battery storage, the rate of traditional energy has gone down. For the next 25 years, the power tariff will be stable due to new agreements, he added.
Following a petition related to reducing commercial tariffs and the burden on domestic consumers, the tariff at all levels has been reduced. About 70 percent of consumers use electricity below 100 units, and will get the benefit of a 26 percent tariff concession, which will also be reduced for other consumers using more than 100 units.
Changes in solar pump and booster pump schemes will benefit the farmers. The expenditure under the Single Pole scheme is only Rs 15,000, and the government has planned to provide 10 HP pumps to farmers, if required. The complaints are sorted out through the solar unified portal, Fadnavis said.
For control over the misuse of electricity, smart meters are being installed. This will also help in planning for the future. A separate proposal for solarization of the lift irrigation project is ready, and will be used in the dark zones, Fadnavis said.
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