The MSEB said here tonight the tariff was hiked on account of general inflation, increase in the rate of interests on loan, power generation, transmission and distribution and to earn necessary revenue surplus.

The last tariff hike of 17.3 per cent was effected by the MSEB in July 1996.

According to modified rates, domestic customers would be charged 5.6 per cent more tariff while non-residential customers would be levied a hike of 1.4 per cent. However, no hike has been effected in tariff for non-residential customers using electricity below 100 units. The tariff for low voltage industrial users has been increased by 8.9 per cent and that for high and very high voltage industrial customers by 5.96 per cent, the MSEB said. Rural water supply schemes as well as metered powerlooms and metered agriculture pump holders have been excluded from the hike.