The Federation of Industry & Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER), the premier industry body of the region has welcomed the announcement by Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) on reduction of electricity tariff for 2018-19.
There is an overall decrease of two per cent, that is14 paise per unit on electricity charges, a release issue by FINER stated.
Also read: Assam power tariff to fall 14 paise/unit from April
This is for the first time in last decade that the charges of electricity have been reduced, benefitting both consumers and the distribution utility.
While the fixed charges has been increased marginally in a few categories, in order to make Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) a self-sustaining body to cover its fixed costs ,the Commission has very meticulously rationalized prices of electricity for all sections of the consumers, the release also stated.
FINER president Pabitra Buragohain has expressed his view that in the wake of Advantage Assam, when the state of Assam is poised to take a leap in industrial activities and entrepreneurship development, reduction of tariffs in all sectors of energy consumers is going to play a major role in executing the Advantage Assam plans and give it the required push.
This is a welcome and positive move for commerce, industry and the society as a whole, the release added.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Commission has been reasonable and practical in its approach to finalize the tariff order, keeping in view both the utilities and consumers.
AERC had given adequate opportunity to many interested consumer forums, including FINER, to present their views and suggestions to the tariff Petitions Filed by APDCL, Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) and Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Ltd (AEGCL), in the interest of both businesses and general consumers at a recent public hearing conducted at Administrative Staff College in Guwahati.
FINER had given its comments on the traiff petition for 2016-17, annual performance review for 2017-18 and average revenue requirement for 2018-19 for APDCL, APCGL and AEGCL, and participated actively in the proceedings, the release further added.