Ludhiana businesses urge roll back of proposed power tariff hike

Ludhiana, Apr 6 (KNN) The Ludhiana based businessmen in a letter to the state’s power minister Harbhajan Singh have urged the government to roll back the proposed hike in electricity charges for industrial units by Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC), reported TOI.

The PSERC had recently increased the rate of industrial power tariff by 50 paise per unit, which the businessmen had strongly opposed to claiming it would increase their costs. 

Speaking about the memorandum sent, Vinod Thapar, chairman of Apparel Technology and Common Facilitation Centre said, “We have asked the government to put this decision on hold immediately and also give us an appointment to hear us out. The hike in the power rates will destroy the micro and small industrial units.” 

“Though 50 paise may seem very less on paper, but in reality this hike is going to have a huge impact as for a small factory burning 5,000 units of power per month, it means an additional load of Rs 30,000 per year,” he said.

Thapar pointed out that the PSERC did not even give time to the industry before implementing the decision. The increase became effective from April 1.

Former senior VP of United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association, Pradeep Wadhawan said, “The small scale units are already struggling with multiple problems and we won’t be able to bear this hike. we therefore urge the power minister to intervene.”  (KNN Bureau)