New Delhi:BJP leader Sushil Modi on Monday demanded a ‘One nation, One power tarrif’ policy in the power sector to ensure uniform electricity cost and tarrif across the country. “India is already advancing along this direction through ‘One nation One tax’… I urge upon the government to do the same for power tariffs,” he said giving an example of the GST. Raising the issue as a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha, Modi suggested that the move can normalise cost. “This is critical to eliminate undue regional disadvantages and provide level playing field for power companies.” Giving an example of Bihar, the MP said: “Bihar lacks both coal and other renewable energy resources which are essential for producing energy. Hence Bihar has to rely on external sources to meet its energy demand. Our three-fourths of the energy is taken from central power generation companies whose prices are higher than independent power producers.” He said Bihar is compelled to purchase power at higher rates which have risen 27 per cent between 2015 and 2020. “Bihar’s average power purchase cost is Rs 5.5 per unit whereas Jharkhand purchases power at Rs 4.1 per unit and Odisha purchases at Rs 3.01 per unit,” Modi said. He said that the higher purchase cost translates into ordinary people paying more for their electricity needs. UNI ASU MR
