Farmers stage protest for uniform compensation

Eluru: The public hearing of Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) on proposed power tariff hike was held amid protests from leaders of farmers association at the Godavari Meeting Hall at the District Collectorate here on Tuesday.

The APERC conducted the public hearing to take objections on the enhancement of power tariff proposed by Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power distribution company Limited for the financial year 2017-18. Commission chairman Justice G Bhavani Prasad presided over the meeting. When the meeting started, the farmers led by Bharat Kisan Sangh (BKS) staged a dharna in front of the Commission on their demands.

They alleged that the Transco was setting up power poles and cables in the fields of farmers without taking their permission. They also demanded the Commission should not accept fixed charges to the aqua ponds as it could be a burden to the aqua farmers.

They demanded uniform compensation all over the State during mishaps caused due to installation of power poles at the fields. Currently, the compensation is being decided by District Collectors. Commission Chairman Justice Bhavani Prasad assured them that he would look into the matter. Justice Bhavani Prasad said that the Commission will take a decision on enhancement of power tariff in an amicable manner without hurting the consumers as well as to save the power distribution companies.

He pointed out that if the consumer is satisfied, the distribution companies will survive in future. Taking this into consideration, the Commission will consider all the suggestions of the people.

The Commission will go through the proposals of the EPDCL and other DISCOMs. He said that after the bifurcation of the State, the DISCOMs were getting better results by ensuing proper power supply. He said that a three-member senior officials’ team will tour all the States in the country to study the power distribution, tariff and other related issues.

He pointed out that at present one employee is extending services to 500 consumers instead of 300 consumers. Likewise, one lineman is working for five to six villages. In view of the prevailing situation, the public representatives should bring to the notice of the government that there is a need to increase the number of employees.

APEPDCL chairman and Managing Director M M Nayak explained the power tariff hike proposals through a power point presentation. He said that for the financial year 2017-18, the distribution company has to get a subsidy of Rs 1,331 crore from the government.

He said that nominal tariff enhancement was proposed by enhancing demand charges from 3.5 to 4 per cent. He said that for domestic users in LT Group-A, Group-B and C categories only 2.67 per cent enhancement was proposed.

CPM State Secretary B Balaram opposed the enhancement of power tariff. Stating that power sector is a service sector, he said it should not work with an aim of enhancing business. He said the proposed hike will be a huge burden for the common public.

Denduluru MLA Ch Prabhakar said that the gram panchayats are not in a position to pay the electricity bills in the district. Due to this, the supply was stopped by EPDCL to the street lights for not paying the power charges. He sought increase in the compensation paid due to death caused by power cables.

BKS secretary Jalagam Kumaraswamy, CITU general secretary DNVD Prasad, Sarpanches Association president Pilli Sattiraju, and others expressed their views on the power tariff.