Assam’s power situation grim? CM Sarma warns of rise in electricity bill

At a time when Assam is experiencing acute shortage in power supply amid the extreme hot weather condition, in a big statement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa has warned that there will be a hike in electricity bills by next year.

Addressing the media in Guwahati, CM Sarma said despite the fact that the power production capacity in the state is less, there has been a staggering rise in the power consumption in the past few months.

CM Sarma stated that that last year, the demand for power stood at 1,800 megawatt, however the figure has shot up to 2500 megawatt this year – indicating a surge of 700 megawatt.

If the government has to buy power from open sources at a cost of Rs. 10 per unit by the next year, the price of electricity will rise by Rs. 1.50 paisa per unit, said the Chief Minister.

However, CM Sarma pointed out that from December this year, power production capacity would be increased by 1000 megawatt following which people would be able to avail services at a lower rate.

It may be mentioned here that the state is facing acute power shortage since last few weeks. People in many parts of the state have also staged protest against Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) as they are not recieving uninterrupted electricity.