Mathew Rongmei
Dimapur
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the public to the recently approved electricity tariff for Nagaland. Electricity is a basic necessity for every household, and any increase in its cost directly affects the common family.
According to the tariff schedule approved by the Nagaland Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), domestic consumers using more than 250 units will be charged Rs 7.90 per unit. However, industrial consumers using up to 500 units will be charged Rs 7.15 per unit.
This difference is difficult to understand. Why should the lowest industrial tariff be lower than the domestic tariff for households consuming more than 250 units?
A typical household may consume around 250–270 units of electricity in a month. Under the slab system, the energy charge would be roughly Rs 1,700–Rs 1,870 per month, excluding other charges. Over a year, this becomes a significant expense for an ordinary family.
For a common household, electricity is not a luxury. Fans, lights, refrigerators, televisions, water pumps, washing machines and other basic appliances are part of daily life. Even moderate use can push monthly consumption above 250 units.
I fully understand that industries and businesses are important for Nagaland's economy and employment. They also need a reliable and reasonably priced power supply. But ordinary households also need protection from rising costs.
Therefore, I believe the present tariff structure deserves a fresh review. Some relief should be considered for ordinary domestic consumers, particularly at the higher household consumption slabs. At the same time, commercial and industrial consumers should be charged through a tariff structure that is fair and properly justified.
This is not about choosing between households and industries. Nagaland needs both. But the electricity tariff should ensure that the common family is not unnecessarily burdened.
I therefore appeal to the Government, the Department of Power and NERC to examine the matter and explain the basis for the present tariff structure. If necessary, suitable changes should be considered in the interest of consumers.
Electricity is a necessity for every family. Its cost should therefore be reasonable, fair and within the reach of the common people.
