Jammu, May 11 (KNN) The industrialists in Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir have opposed the 40 per cent power tariff proposed by the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (JPDCL) stating that it will impact the units and derail investment opportunities.

The increase in power tariff would come along with substantial increase in the fixed/demand charges for the year 2022-23 for industrial sector of J&K.

This would result in uncertainty in the mind of the existing industrial units as well as prospective investors who are in the process of setting up new units, said Lalit Mahajan, President, Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA).

Discussing the matter during an Executive Committee Meeting of BBIA on Tuesday, the members condemned the move of proposed 40 per cent increase in the power tariff and substantial increase in the fixed/demand charges by JPDCL.

The meeting was chaired by Mahajan in the presence of Tarun Singla Sr. Vice President, Ajay Langer Vice President, Viraaj Malhotra General Secretary, Rajesh Jain Secretary and other members of BBIA.

They called the proposal unjustified as the Department has failed to reduce the AT&C Losses which is projected at 43.77 per cent for the FY 2022-23 whereas the National Level average AT&C Losses is approximately 20 per cent.

In last three years the Department has failed to reduce the transmission losses which is 50 to 52 per cent as per the petition, said the members.

They have appealed to Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor, Nitishwar Kumar(IAS), Principal Secretary Lt. Governor & Power Development Department to look into matter and issue necessary directions for the withdrawal of proposed Petition filed by JPDCL.  (KNN Bureau)