Scores of people today protested outside the Delhi electricity regulatory commission (DERC) office against the possible hike in tariff for 2011-12 and accused the power regulator of taking sides with private players in finalising the rates.

"We won't allow DERC to hike power rate at any cost...protests will intensify if tariff is hiked," a protester said.

The DERC is currently in the process of finalising a new tariff order for the year 2011-12 and there have been indications that the tariff may go up in the wake of strong demand by the private power distribution companies.

Another protester rubbished the claims of the discoms about "huge losses" and said the audit reports were "manipulated to demand hike in tariff".

Most of the RWAs that participated in the first public hearing on fixation of power tariff for 2011-12 on Monday had slammed the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission for taking a "favourable stand" on demands of the private discoms to hike the tariff and wondered why the same regulator had sought a cut in rates last year.

The Resident Welfare Association representatives strongly argued against the possible tariff hike and said they will hit the streets if rates are increased.