CHANDIGARH,Date: 25th July 2025.A joint representation was today submitted to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) by Bharatiya Janata Party Chandigarh, Laghu Udyog Bharati Chandigarh Unit, and Industrial Shed Welfare Association, regarding the proposed power tariff hike by Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL).

The meeting was attended by Shri Avi Bhasin (President, Laghu Udyog Bharati & BJP State Treasurer), Shri Rakesh Rattan Aggarwal (Senior Advisor, Laghu Udyog Bharati), and Shri Jarnail Singh (President, Industrial Shed Welfare Association). All representatives strongly opposed the proposed hike in electricity tariff, calling it unjustified, anti-industry, and anti-consumer.

Key Objections Highlighted:
• No justification for the proposed tariff hike, as CPDL has presented inflated consumption and loss data.
• Exorbitant fixed charges on industries are damaging MSME competitiveness.
• Unnecessary physical inspections continue despite installation of smart meters, violating consumer convenience and trust.
• MSMEs cannot absorb further financial burden, especially in the current economic environment.
• Disparity in interest rates—consumers get only 6–6.5% on security deposits while CPDL assumes 12% interest for its own working capital.
• Lack of incentives for energy-efficient and green industrial practices.

All political Parties ,associations,Rws jointly appealed to JERC to:
• Reject the proposed tariff hike in the public interest.
• Maintain the current tariff structure.
• Stop arbitrary inspections where smart meters are already installed.
• Support industrial and economic growth by easing costs for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).