Nagpur, Mar 3 (KNN) The Industry bodies in Nagpur have opposed the proposed hike of about 40 per cent in the power tariff for 2023-25, reported the Hitavada.

MIDC Industries Association (MIA) and Butibori Manufacturers Association (BMA) members on Thursday observed a silent protest in front Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s office at Katol Road Square against the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company’s (MSEDCL) decision.

The Industry pointed out that the power tariff in Maharasthra is already high as compared to adjoining states.

“If the proposed hike is brought in, it will affect consumers cutting across the categories. The new rates are not feasible from households, commercial and even industrial category consumers,” they said.

BMA President Nitin Lonkar, said, “If the proposed rates are implemented, the increased gap in the power tariff would severely affect the industrial units in Maharashtra.”

He said that the power tariff hike would not only discourage new investors but it would also result in migration of existing units from Maharashtra to adjoining states.

“MSEDCL has also manipulated the power consumption figures shown in the proposal to hide its loopholes,” the industry bodies pointed out.

In a memorandum sent to Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the industry associations said, the cost of power generation of Maharashtra State Power Generation Company is very high.

“The Central Government is offering power to the State Government at the rate of Rs 3 to Rs 3.50 per unit but the cost of Mahagenco’s power is between Rs 4.50 to Rs 7.50 per unit,” they stated in the memorandum.

Capt. C M Randhir, President of MIA; P Mohan, MIA Secretary MIA; Nilkant Jaiswal, Pradeep Khandelwal, Shashikant Kotarkar, Punit Mahajan and others were present.  (KNN Bureau)