With the change in government in Rajasthan, there are indications that electricity rates might see an upward revision. Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur discoms have filed a petition with the Electricity Regulatory Commission, requesting a potential tariff increase of up to 20%.
The final decision rests with the regulatory commission, and this process typically takes between two to six months after the submission of the petition. Discoms are mandated to file tariff petitions for the upcoming fiscal year by November 30. Despite previous financial setbacks and outstanding payments, the extent of the approved increase in electricity rates remains uncertain. The electricity distribution companies are grappling with losses amounting to 76,000 crores, and the financial burden has risen by 26,000 crores annually due to initiatives such as free electricity, fixed charges, and fuel surcharge exemptions. Despite these financial challenges, government payments have been delayed, and discoms are encumbered with repaying crores in interest.
