Consumers oppose 22 per cent tariff hike by MSEDCL

Mumbai: Residential, industrial and agricultural consumers are strongly opposing the proposed 22 per cent tariff hike by MSEDCL (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd.) across the state. The coordination committee of power consumers decided to file more than 25,000 objections before the MERC, said president Pratap Hogade.

All consumer organisations in the power sector have their coordination committees, which met on Wednesday at the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce and decided to oppose such a huge hike of 22 per cent for all consumers. Agitations will be organised from August 4 to 14 at 50 places across the state. Consumer representatives will give a memorandum to ministers, MPs, MLAs and collectors to withdraw the hike.

Mr Hogade alleged that MSEDCL was not operating smoothly due to mismanagement. Agricultural consumers were being billed double with power theft and technical losses being adjusted in their bills. Mr Hogade demanded that the government and MSEDCL verify the actual use of power by farmers and send them accurate bills. Now, all consumers are in a mood to oppose the hike.