The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), in a consumer friendly decision, has stayed the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure’s decision to hike power tariff in the state till further orders. Thus, over 27 lakh customers of Reliance Infrastructure will have to pay tariffs as per the existing rates.

The commission said: “Since the Commission needs to undertake a detailed investigation on metering, power purchase expenses and transactions undertaken by Reliance Infra-D, as well as capital expenditure schemes, the tariff increase approved by the Commission for the consumers will be stayed till the Commission issues further orders.”

Earlier, the MERC had given its nod to hike power tariffs, but due to stiff opposition by political parties and violent agitation by people across the state, the body has rolled back its decision. The Maharashtra government had also intervened in the matter, and directed MERC to ensure economical services as per the Electricity Act 2003.

The State Energy Minister, Sunil Tatkare, had written a letter to the Commission, urging it to take measures for supplying power at reasonable and justified prices to the consumers.