Power Tariff Logjam ends in Odisha Assembly

The logjam in Odisha Assembly over power tariff hike, has come to an end, as the government has agreed to withdraw the hike in agricultural sector although it decided to continue with the tariff hike for domestic consumers.

Soon after Odisha Energy Minister Pranab Prakash Das informed the House about the decision of the government that OERC (Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission) will be urged to withdraw the power tariff hike in agriculture sector, Opposition leader Narasingha Mishra has assured full cooperation in running the House.

“We wanted a complete withdrawal of power tariff hike. But, as the government agreed not to put extra burden on the farmers and agriculture sector, we have decided to end our protest,” said Mr. Mishra.

The OERC had increased the power tariff for domestic consumers by 20 paise per unit. In agriculture sector, the hike was 40 paise per unit.