PHD Chamber welcomes New Power Tariff announced for the year 2014-15

Chandigarh, 22 August, 2014 : PHD Chamber hails power tariff announced by the Commission today for the year 2014-15. “The Commission has introduced KVAH tariff this time for the industry which means that in case of continuous supply consumers, the increase in overall tariff of 3 % shall be offset due to maintenance of higher power factor whereas the industry having lower power factor shall have to pay higher tariff”, said R S Sachdeva, Co- Chairman, Punjab Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

However, said Sachdeva, “The levying of KVAH tariff with effect from 1stApril 2014 is not justified and shall be very damaging for the industry which is unprepared for such a tariff and running on low power factor. Imposing it from April, with 5 months having passed already, would cause huge loss to the industry.”

The Grant of rebate to various categories of consumers catered at higher voltages has been increased by 5 paise/ kvah is highly appreciated. Also the grant of rebate on night tariff, separate industrial connections for Large supply consumers and reduction in tariff for medium and large scale category of consumers is a welcome step. The commission has also been able to bring down the T & D losses from 17 % to 16 % which is very positive.

However the surcharge applicable on continuous process industry has not been waived off and has been kept at 10 paise and the peak load hour restriction @ Rs 3/KVAH also does not make any sense since the power is already insufficient in the state, added Sachdeva.

(SK Vyas/Jalandhar)