Chandigarh, May 21 (KNN) Industries in Haryana have been hit with a steep hike in fixed electricity charges, with the state’s power distribution companies (discoms) increasing rates by 76 per cent.

The fixed charge has risen from Rs 165 to Rs 290 per kVA per month, burdening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with significantly higher energy bills.

A small industry with a 100 kVA load now faces an increase of Rs 15,500 per month, while medium enterprises could see bills go up by over Rs 40,000.

The Progressive Federation of Trade & Industry (PFTI) estimates the total additional burden on the state’s industries at over Rs 2,100 crore annually — Rs 1,195 crore under Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and Rs 950 crore under Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN).

Industry leaders argue that the hike will damage Haryana’s industrial competitiveness, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “Industry cannot be penalised for inefficiencies it did not create,” said Deepak Maini, PFTI Chairman.

He pointed out that in 2021, both discoms posted a combined profit of Rs 800 crore, but now report a cumulative loss of Rs 4,800 crore, despite showing reduced AT&C (aggregate technical & commercial) losses.

PFTI is demanding the formation of a Joint Task Force (JTF) to review the tariff hike and provide relief for MSMEs.

Sanjeev Chopra, Chairman of the PFTI Power Committee, highlighted that smaller industries now pay more per unit than larger ones, despite using less power.

He also criticised outdated billing methods and called for reforms to incentivise energy efficiency.

Industry representatives warn that without intervention, the hike could hamper investment and employment in the state’s industrial sector.

(KNN Bureau)