Report by Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) correspondent
Electricity consumers under the banner of the All Assam Electricity Consumers Association (AAECA) have strongly opposed the introduction of the ‘Time of Day’ (ToD) tariff policy, proposed by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). Under the proposed ToD policy, there will be three different electricity rates, depending the time of the day. The rate will be the highest during evening hours when demands is the highest as most people need to consume electricity. This will lead to increased electricity bill for most consumers of Assam.
The AAECA has demanded immediate rejection of the anti-people proposal of the APDCL. The AAECA has rightly pointed out that electricity is an essential service and should not be treated like a market commodity whose price is determined by demand. Providing affordable electricity to everyone is the responsibility of the government. The ToD tariff policy will make electricity out of reach of many, which cannot be accepted.