UP Electricity Bills to Soar? 20% Hike Proposed, Public to Decide Fate

• Uttar Pradesh power companies propose a 20% electricity tariff hike, citing 12,453 crore rupees in losses.
• Electricity Regulatory Commission conditionally approves the proposal; final hearing in March.
• Public has 21 days to submit objections/suggestions after companies publish the full proposal.
• Companies plan to pass on 3,837 crore rupees for smart meter costs to consumers, a claim disputed by consumer councils.
• Allegations of 1400 crore rupees secretly collected from consumers under various charges, prompting a Regulatory Commission investigation.