Industry sore over high power rates in Punjab

Ludhiana, June 7

Industrialists in the state have alleged that they are suffering due to the government apathy. They say as per the 2020-21 tariff order, the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) gave no relief to the industry despite fall in the prices of coal and petroleum products.

Badish Jindal, president of the All Industries and Trade Forum, said in April 2019, the coal prices were $89.70 per tonne (Rs 6,144). It came down to $65 (Rs 4,875) this April. Similarly, the crude oil prices reduced from $65 per barrel to $25 during the same period, said Jindal.

The All Industries and Trade Forum, having 113 associations as its members, has 12 offices across the country. Raj Kumar Singla, its general secretary, said the industries were running under capacity, resulting in high power prices due to the two-part tariff system.

“The rate rises when consumption falls. Now, the power is costing us Rs 12-20 per unit due to low consumption. This has resulted in an increase in production cost. The PSERC has given us no relief on account of fall in the prices of coal and petroleum products,” said Singla. — TNS