PSPCL's decision to hike power tariff is not acceptable to MSMEs in Punjab: UCPMA

Punjab, May 27 (KNN) Already disturbed Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the cycle industry in Punjab is going to get another shock as Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) is planning to increase the rate of electricity soon.

Criticizing the decision of PSPCL, United Cycle Parts and Manufacturers Association (UCPMA) recently held a meeting over the proposed hike in power tariff rates.

Speaking with KNN India, General Secretary of UCPMA, Rajeev Jain said “When Punjab government was elected 2.5 years back, they had promised to give electricity at the rate of Rs 5 per unit and as per the promise they started giving electricity at this rate but has imposed some taxes on it due to which the price of per unit of power is almost double now.”

After the taxes, power tariff rate ranges from Rs 9 to Rs 11 which is not acceptable for MSMEs. This price range is not a matter of concern for large industries or manufacturers but it is a matter of concern for MSMEs.

As elections are over, PSPCL is asking the regulatory committee to increase the power tariff rates by 3% to 5% and it will be from retrospective effect which is unjustifiable in any sense and we strongly oppose this thing.

He said “We want that the government should stick to its promise of providing power at net price of Rs 5 to us without any extra tariffs and charges.”

Ever since the Congress government has taken charge, unscheduled cuts have increased manifold that is affecting the industry and our production is falling day by day, Jain mentioned.

Tags: PSPCL, MSMEs, Punjab, UCPMA, Tariff, Congress, Punjab Government, retrospective effect, Tax