TANSTIA to stage protests demanding withdrawal of peak hour power charges for industries

Chennai, Apr 13 (KNN) The Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA) will stage a protests on April 20 demanding withdrawal of peak hour electricity charges for Micro, Small, and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs).

TANSTIA vice-president S. Surulivel said that due to the slowdown in orders, the MSMEs barely operate during peak hours (morning and evening). 

Yet, the units are paying 15 per cent as peak hour charges, he said. 

Further, the MSMEs that were paying about Rs 35 a month as fixed charges are now paying Rs 150 a month though the units do not use the complete electricity load.

The state MSMEs are demanding the withdrawal of both peak hour charges and the hike in fixed charges.

Over 50,000 units are expected to take part in the strike and protest, he said.

J. James, one of the executive committee members of the association, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister had earlier said he would look into the demands of the MSMEs. 

However, no action was taken and hence, the MSMEs will down shutters across the State on April 20 and stage protests, he said.  (KNN Bureau)