Guwahati: Consumers oppose APDCL’s proposed ‘time of day’ tariff policy

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The All Assam Electricity Consumers Association (AAECA) has strongly opposed the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited's (APDCL) proposal to implement a new tariff policy, which would introduce a three-tier electricity pricing system based on the time of day. The association has termed the proposed policy as "anti-people" and unfair to consumers.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chairperson of the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC), the AAECA demanded an immediate rejection of APDCL's proposal. The memorandum was also submitted to various district commissioners and APDCL officials across the state, including Kamrup (Metro), Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, and others.

According to the AAECA, electricity is an essential service and should not be treated like a market commodity whose pricing is determined by demand. The association argued that electricity plays a vital role in modern society, and its pricing should not be based on a three-tier system. The AAECA warned that implementing the proposed policy would impose a severe financial burden on the common people.

The association alleged that APDCL is attempting to increase electricity costs indirectly through this new policy, despite not proposing a direct tariff hike. The AAECA emphasized that the people of Assam would not accept such an approach and urged the AERC to reject APDCL's proposal in the interest of consumers.

Also Read: Assam: Consumers’ body opposes APDCL’s time-of-day power tariff proposal

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