Ludhiana, June 5 (KNN) The furnace industry of Ludhiana has urged the Punjab government to bring down the power rates, according to a report in TOI.

According to the Industrialists, the rate of power has increased by Rs 3-4 per unit as compared to last year and in the wake of the increase in other charges, their businesses are suffering a big blow.

Furnace and Allied Industries Association chairman Jagbir Singh Sokhi said, “During last three to four months, the electricity rates have been increased twice.”

As per reports, the power rates for the furnace industry, all of whom have large supply (LS) category of connections, have been increased to gross rate of Rs 6.89 per unit, which after addition of minimum charges and other levies, costs more than Rs 14 to 15 per unit.

“There is an increase of Rs 3-4 per unit as compared to the previous year. Moreover, we are also bearing the brunt of higher rate of power during night-time. This hike has jeopardised our businesses and eventually, we will have to consider shutting down our units temporarily,” he added.

Another furnace industrialist Vaishno Gupta said, "Electricity is like raw material for our industry and our entire costing is directly related with rate of power. Recent hike in the rates of PSPCL have led to increase of up to 5 per cent in our monthly expenses.”  (KNN Bureau)