Mysuru: The Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and KIADB Industrial Areas Manufacturers Association (KIAMA), have flayed the CESC’s move for steep hike in Industrial power tariff.

In a joint press statement, MCCI President K.B. Lingaraju and KIADB Vice-President K. Ravindra Prabhu said that CESC has submitted a proposal to Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seeking upward revision of power tariff, according to which a steep hike of Rs. 1.072 Per Unit has been sought. Also, CESC has sought upward revision of fixed charges ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 180 per HP for all LT (Low Tension) categories and a raise of Rs. 355/KVA to Rs. 395/KVA for all HT (High Tension) categories, they said.

Pointing out that strongly opposing the move, the MCCI and KIAMA have filed petitions opposing any raise in power tariff, citing recession and possible closure of industries, they argued that many small-scale, cottage and home industries will be forced to shut down and the hike may also make starting of new micro and small-scale industries inviable.

Stating that they have highlighted  the inefficiency of CESC, which alone must be blamed for the loss, they called upon all Industrial and Consumer Associations to participate in full strength in the Regulatory Commission’s public hearing and oppose the CESC’s proposed power tariff hike, which in all likelihood force closure of industries, resulting in huge job losses. For details, contact Ph: 0821-4250246.