THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Details of surcharge collected from consumers should be displayed ‘without any ambiguity’ in the bi-monthly electricity bills, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has been told.The State Electricity Regulatory Commission, while passing orders sanctioning the collection of thermal fuel surcharge of 20 paise per unit from April 1, has asked the KSEB to make the appropriate changes in its billing software for clearly showing surcharge details in the bills.Power distribution licencee - KSEB is one of nine in Kerala - have been asked to indicate the rate of surcharge and the total amount as surcharge separately in the bills. Besides, if any consumer seeks a clarification regarding surcharge, the licencees are to furnish them promptly, the Commission said.The KSEB usually seeks a surcharge to recover additional amount spent every quarter or every two quarters on buying power from outside to meet the demand.The Commission has also asked the KSEB to file its petitions for fuel price adjustments promptly and within 15 days of the ending of each quarter instead of the present six months.“As per the regulations, every distribution licenceee shall within 15 days after the end of each quarter submit before the Commission the necessary details. In future, petitions not submitted in time may not be entertained,” the Commission chaired by K J Mathew, a former chief secretary, noted.Fuel Surcharge at 20 Paise Per Unit Fuel surcharge of 20 paise per unit will be collected for six months from April 1.It will be applicable to all consumers except those having consumption below 20 units a month and connected load of less than or equal to 500 watts. The surcharge is to recover money spent on buying additional power during April to Sept 2011.
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