India, May 13 -- A steep hike in the power purchase adjustment cost (PPAC) component of electricity bills in the Capital-approved by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC)-has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and residents' associations, who have called it an "unjustified burden" on consumers already reeling under inflation. The increase is expected to push electricity bills up by 7-10% for the May-June period, officials said on Sunday.

PPAC is a variable surcharge meant to offset fluctuations in the cost of electricity that distribution companies (discoms) purchase from power generators. Its rate depends on factors such as coal prices and region-specific supply dynamics, and is calculated as a percentage of the ...