In Ranchi, Jharkhand, Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has filed a review petition against the recent electricity tariff adjustments made by the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC). The tariff order, issued on April 30, 2024, impacts the financial year 2023-24 true-up, the 2024-25 Annual Performance Review (APR), and the Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) and tariff determination for the 2025-26 period. The new tariffs took effect on May 1, 2025.
The commission’s April 30 announcement increased tariffs for urban consumers by 20 paise per unit and for rural consumers by 40 paise per unit. This resulted in a total increase of 6.34% in electricity tariffs, effective May 1, 2025. JBVNL had proposed a larger increase of 40.02%, which was not fully approved.
JBVNL is challenging the commission’s decisions, particularly regarding the approved rate of 6.85 rupees per unit, which is lower than the 8 rupees per unit the company sought. The review petition requests a reconsideration of multiple aspects, with the aim of improving JBVNL’s financial standing and offering consumers more equitable rates.
The petition highlights discrepancies related to power purchase costs, non-tariff income, transmission losses, and interest rates.
Specifically, JBVNL points out a double deduction of a power purchase discount, leading to a discrepancy of 7.76 crore rupees. They are seeking an adjustment to reflect the correct power purchase cost. The corporation also contests the commission’s calculation of non-tariff income, citing a difference of over 400 crore rupees.
Further disagreements include differing views on transmission losses. JBVNL also contests the commission’s interest rate and the rejection of certain financial charges.
Additional proposals include changes to fixed charges, the implementation of a Time of Day (TOD) tariff, the addition of a new consumer category, and provisions for electric vehicle users.