TN power regulator considering reduction in tariff hike for Industrial sector

Coimbatore, Aug 17 (KNN) The chairman of Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) M Chandrasekar said on Tuesday that it is considering to reduce the proposed hike in fixed charges owing to the requests made by the industrial sector.

After public hearings in Madurai and Chennai on August 18 and 22, the commission will take a decision, informed Chandrasekar addressing the press after chairing the first public hearing in Coimbatore on the issue.

Only after TNERC approval the proposed power tariff by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (Tangedco) will be implemented from September 1, 2022.

“The purpose of holding public hearings is to listen to the views of the sectors that would be affected,” he said. 

The proposals have been collectively opposed by public, industrialist and the MSME sector.

Stressing on the condition of MSMEs affected by the price hike of raw materials, J James, President of Tamil Nadu Association of Cottage and Micro Enterprises (TACT) organisation said, “As the price of products manufactured in other states is cheaper, we are unable to compete even in the domestic market.”

“Also, most units are functioning from rented premises after getting one EB line and sharing it with many units, using sub-meters. The proposed hike in charges will lead to the closure of many units,” warned James.

Calling the proposed hike exorbitant, MSME owners have requested TNERC to place all Low Tension Current Transformer (LTCT) consumers in one slab with a revised rate of Rs 70 from the current rate of Rs 35 per kW a month.  (KNN Bureau)