THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA )
(a) : The rates of monthly minimum charges (MMC) for various categories of
consumers of the UT of Chandigarh have been increased w.e.f. 1st February 2001. The
MMC of the domestic category has been increased to Rs.35/- per KW, which is same as
applicable in Punjab.
(b) : The MMC are required to be paid by each consumer to cover the fixed charges
incurred by the Electricity Department of the UT of Chandigarh for affording the supply
to a consumer. The earlier MMC rates were fixed in 1991. The fixed expenses have
increased manifold since then, therefore, the increase in MMC was considered necessary.
(c) : The levy of MMC does not violate the national policy to save energy. The
average monthly consumption for consumers under different ranges of load works out to
be more than the units equivalent to the MMC.
(d) : No discount in such surcharge is given on account of power shutdowns, cuts or
breakdowns/failures since the quality of power supply in UT of Chandigarh is very
satisfactory.
(e) : The total number of domestic consumers who are covered under MMC is 37,868
as against the total number of domestic consumers of 1,59,726.
(f) : Total amount paid on account of MMC for one cycle of billing is as under :-
1. Revenue from 11000 consumers of the Labour Colonies, Rs.11,33,000/- who resort to Kundi Connections, taking average consumption as 75 units per month.
2. Revenue from Defective/Slow running meters & being Rs.36,74,245/- billed on MMC.
3. Revenue from other consumers being billed on MMC. Rs. 8,92,755/-
Total Rs.57,00,000/-
The total amount billed on account of MMC for one cycle of billing is Rs.57 lacs x 2 Rs.114 lacs (approx).
The tentative amount on the basis of actual consumption for such consumers
under the computerized billing is Rs.63 lakhs in one cycle.
