The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission (ETFC) not to hike the electricity tariff by more than five percent by issuing an interim order on Tuesday.

In response to the writ filed by Consumer Rights Protection Forum (CRPF), the apex Court issued such order, restricting ETFC to hike the electricity tariff by 20 percent.

As per the Electricity Tariff Fixation Rules 1994, the electricity tariff can be hiked by just five percent in a year.

Justice Sushila Karki issued the interim order while ETFC was preparing to hike the electricity effective from January 15, 2012.

Justice Karki asked ETFC to come up with the justification regarding the move within 15 days.

The Commission has decided to increase the electricity tariff to maximum of Rs. 11 per unit based on the use of electricity by the consumers on Sunday.

The Commission has decided to hike the tariff on five different basis - the consumers who use electricity over 21 units to 50 units a month will have to pay Rs. 7.30 per unit, over 51 units to 150 units Rs. 8.50 per unit, over 151 units to 250 units Rs. 9.50 per unit and those using above 251 units will have to pay Rs. 11 per unit. However, the electricity tariff remained unchanged for the use of 20 units at the minimum of Rs. 80 and for the use of over 21 units to 50 units at Rs. 7.30 per unit. nepalnews.com