Mysuru, Feb 18 (KNN) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Karnatka have expressed their dissatisfaction over the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) appeal of increasing power tariff.

At a public hearing organised by the KERC at the Court Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Office on Wednesday morning, along with Mysuru Industries Association (MIA) representatives of various bodies including Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Mysore Industries Association (MIA), KIADB Industrial Area Manufacturers’ Association (KIAMA), Hebbal Industrial Estate Manufacturers Association (HIEMA) and domestic consumers sought the dismissal of the CESC petition that seeks a hike of 130.9 paise (Rs. 1.30) per unit across categories.

In its appeal to the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) at the public hearing in Mysuru on Wednesday, MIA President and former MLA Vasu urged the Commission to reject the tariff revision petition and direct the CESC to submit a modified petition clarifying all the issues raised by the MIA at the hearing.

Until then, the CESC may be asked to continue with the existing tariff, he said.

Terming the hike sought as ‘unjustified’ for small scale industries, he argued that they are subjected to load shedding and unscheduled interruptions, resulting in loss of man hours and production.

The CESC has proposed an increase of Rs 15 in fixed rates of all LT consumers (individual houses, shops, small offices and smaller manufacturing units) and Rs. 30 hike in fixed rates for HT consumers (bulk purchasers of electricity like industries, big manufacturing units, big offices, Universities and hostels).

CESC Managing Director Manohar M Bevinamarad said that Rs. 6,024.12 crore is needed for 2021-2022 financial year and there is a shortfall of Rs. 1,005 crore. To set right the losses, the CESC needs to increase the tariffs up to 144.65 paise (Rs. 1.44) per unit.