Bangalore, Nov 5 (KNN) In order to ensure the survival of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in particular and industry in general, MSMEs in Karnataka have urged the state government and Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to reverse the decision and roll back the hike.

KERC has hiked power tariffs across the board, with an increase of 25 paise and more per unit and Rs 10/- towards Fixed Charges.

''The impact of the hike will be particularly disastrous for the MSMEs as they struggle to revive operations from the COVID pandemic and severe slowdown in the economy,'' said Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) on Thursday in a statement.

''We had strongly urged the KERC during the tariff hearings not to only decrease tariffs but reduce rates on industry so that this productive and paying sector can sustain,'' it added.

While expressing their dissatisfaction, KASSIA said that industry is particularly unhappy that the tariff revision annually has become a mere ritual to prop up the revenues of the distribution companies with no attention paid to their operational efficiencies or management practices.

''Even less thought is given to the plight of industry, which is the only paying sector left for these utilities,'' KASSIA added.

However, KASSIA welcomed the decision to do away with the penalty of additional one rupee/unit being charged on industry for consumption during the morning peak between 6.00 am to 10.00 am.