Farmers who set up polyhouses and grow mushrooms in the state protested the proposed new electricity tariffs. They stated that their operations are rapidly approaching closure due to the fixed charges and rates imposed in last year’s tariff.
Laghu Udyog Bharti representative Manmohan Bhardwaj stated that more than 85 percent of polyhouses in the state under the Agricultural Support Services (AAS) have closed. When electricity was cheaper, they were increasing, but now, after the implementation of the RTS-4 category, they are rapidly declining. Even then, power cuts of five to six hours are being imposed.
Mushroom producer Amit Sharma stated that the fixed charge was implemented incorrectly. There is no load throughout the year. Due to the lower temperatures in winter, they don’t need much electricity. Therefore, the fixed charge should be removed. He added that all raw materials are imported. Therefore, if electricity becomes so expensive, their income will be completely wiped out.
A decision will be taken in the best interest of consumers.
Meanwhile, Rahul Dev, calling the MSME sector seasonal, demanded relief from fixed charges. Many consumers also demanded that the food processing and hospitality sectors be included separately in the seasonal category. At the end of the public hearing, Technical Member Prabhat Kishore Dimri stated that the Commission had heard everyone’s views and that a decision would be made in the best interests of consumers.
The government should talk to us; farmers cannot pay more than one rupee.
At the public hearing, representatives of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait) from Haridwar, Roorkee, and surrounding areas protested the proposed electricity rate hike. Sanjay Chaudhary of the union said, “The government should talk to us…we cannot pay more than one rupee. Please understand our sentiments. We provide everything from food, oxygen, and cheap sweets, but we are being looted. Smart meters are not even installed in our village.”
