Hyderabad: Delay in submission of Average Revenue Requirement by Discoms of both AP and Telangana is worrying officials of respective energy departments, since there is little time to complete the whole process. The financial year ends in another 75 days but still there is no substantial progress.

Discoms of both states have sought till January 24 for submission of reports. After which, there will be public hearing and ERC will finalise the tariff. The government has the option to change the tariff and send it back to ERC for ratification. This process may go beyond March 31. It is mandatory that the new tariff be in place by April 1.

ERC comprises one chairman and two members. In the case of AP, the two members are yet to be nominated. The committee formed to suggest the names, has forwarded four names to the government. Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu is yet to pick two members. The AP cabinet has not discussed the power hike in its last meeting but an indication to hike the tariff is already in the air.

In Telangana, even though the ERC has no vacancies, the Discoms have been struggling hard to study and incorporate their views on some suggestions reportedly by CM, K. Chandrasekhar Rao, an official of the energy department said.