Nashik MSMEs concerned over possibility of power tariff hike soon

Nashik, Mar 22 (KNN) The city based micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are concerned over the possibility of electricity rate hike by as much as 10 per cent, said an industrialist.

Talking to KNN, General Secretary, Nashik Industries & Manufacturers Association, Mangesh Patankar said that the power sector is not doing well in Maharashtra but Government is planning to increase the power rate by nearly 10 per cent.

He said that that the industry is being demanding for 5 per cent rate cut in power from the Maharashtra Electricity regulator authority (MERA). Instead, they are hiking the rates, he added.

They are hiking the rates to benefit the private companies from which they are buying electricity, he alleged.

The industry has been demanding rate cuts in power and land in the state.

“The power tariff in the state is higher as compared to other states. We want the state government to minimise the power rates for the industries if it really wants to make Make in Maharashtra a success," they said.

Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar presented the state budget for the yaer 2016-17 on March 18 with an estimated revenue deficit of Rs 3,644 crore.

He has proposed allocation of Rs 784 crore for new power generation projects, Rs 301 crore for new sub stations and Rs 450 crore for the promotion of new and renewable power projects in the state. (KNN Bureau)