Bengaluru, June 19 (KNN) The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called for a statewide bandh on June 22 to protest against the recent hike in electricity charges.

“This is in protest of abnormal price hike in the Electricity charges by ESCOM’s. For the last eight days, we have made attempts to convey the seriousness of the impact of the hike in electricity charges. However, no solution is forthcoming from the Officials or government representatives,” KCCI said in a statement.

As per reports, District Chambers of Gadag, Bijapur, Rancbennur, Raichur, Talikoti, Vijaynagar, Mysore, Davangere, Koppal, Bagalkoti, Dharwad, Sirsi, Karwar, Bidar, Shivamoga, Kolar, Mandya, Chickmangalore and many more have agreed to join the agitation.

Earlier, Karnataka Energy Minister, KJ George had said that over two crore residents can receive free electricity through the Gruha Jyothi initiative. “Only consumers whose average power consumption plus 10 per cent of it is less than 200 units will be allowed to use the scheme,” he said.

The Minister also said that customers who use more than their allocated number of units must pay for those excess units, plus 9 per cent in taxes.

“If average power consumption plus 10 per cent is less than 200 units, it will be subsidised. Anything over and above that will have to be paid. Consumers who use more than the allotted units, have to pay for the extra units used. 9 per cent of tax will be included in it,” he added.

The scheme provides free electricity to all households with monthly energy usage below 200 units.  (KNN Bureau)