The proposed hike in power tariff has not gone down well with either the domestic or industrial consumers, who are demanding an immediate rollback.
The low-tension domestic consumers such as households fear that it would create a deep hole in their pocket and even eat into their food and entertainment budget.
High-tension consumers such as industries predict a fall in their production. Some educational institutions complain that they would be forced to increase fees to counter the burden.
“I am appalled by the electricity tariff hike. A twofold rise in the power tariff will affect our life style even,” said Chandrika Gowrisankar, a homemaker in a middle-class family.
“The rise is equal to a monthly milk budget. An ordinary middle-class family will have to sacrifice a weekly hangout in a cinema theater or something similar because of the hike,” she said.
Most industry associations are still clueless because of the late announcement. However, the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA) has taken objection to the hike. TNERC has recommended a much higher tariff than the demand while TANGEDCO has proposed only Rs 1 per unit increase in HT services, said SIMA chairman S. Dinakaran.
Tamil Nadu would find it difficult to attract investment in the textile industry. Such an abnormal power cost will lead to permanent closure of more than 2,000 spinning mills in the state and it would have a cascading effect on the handloom, power loom, garmenting and all labour intensive sectors, Dinakaran said.
The proposed hike will be the highest for HT consumer in the country, he pointed out.
SIMA has also appealed to the chief minister to exempt the ailing textile industry from the hike at least for the next two years till it revives from the recession, keeping in mind the jobs of 50 lakh people.
The chairman of an engineering college said on condition of anonymity that the steep hike in power tariff should be withdrawn as colleges already face several problems such as low fees, hefty salaries and other expenditures.
“If the government does not withdraw the hike, we will be compelled to increase fees substantially and this will put additional burden on students,” the chairman said.