Bengaluru
Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has stirred controversy among its electricity consumers by significantly increasing the September Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment Charge (FPPCA). This decision has seen the FPPCA charge spike from 50 paise to Rs 1.15, leaving non-beneficiaries of the Griha Jyoti Yojana and commercial users in dismay. The Griha Jyoti Yojana beneficiaries have been exempted from this fee hike, offering them some respite. However, other consumers, including commercial users, will bear the brunt of the increased charges. Previously, in September, BESCOM customers had only been required to pay an additional 51 paise on top of their regular electricity charges. The recent revision by Bescom reveals that, in the current year, there has been an accumulated increase in the monthly energy adjustment charges. This increase amounted to 27 paise in April, 9 paise in June, and 28 paise in July, culminating in an additional 64 paise in electricity purchase costs. Consequently, the total cost for fuel and electricity purchase adjustment fees for September now stands at 115 paise (Rs. 1.15). BESCOM officials have clarified that this order will exclusively apply to electricity bills for September. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) had initially permitted BESCOM to impose an extra charge of 101 paise per unit, labelled as the fuel adjustment cost, for every month from July to September. This decision aimed to rectify differences in power purchase costs between January and March 31, 2023. Recognizing the potential burden on consumers, this fee was spread over six months, with 51 paise per unit to be collected from July to September and the remaining 50 paise per unit from October to December, divided into two quarters. While BESCOM seeks to address its financial obligations, consumers are left grappling with increased electricity charges, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication between utilities and their customers.
