Haryana industry body questions hike in fixed power charges

The Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Karnal, raised questions over the increased fixed charges on electricity supply for industries. They sent a memorandum to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, requesting him to immediately intervene and remove fixed charges.

Sushil Jain, chairman of the Haryana Chamber of Commerce, said they had been raising the issue on behalf of the industrial community of the state of fixed charges being increased by the Power Corporation on industrial electricity bills. “At present, Power Corporation in Haryana is charging around Rs 165 per KVA per month of fixed charges on sanctioned contract demand for industrial connections, which is already exorbitant for industries operating in the state. We have been continuously requesting the government to abolish these fixed charges for the past several years since the industries are already bearing actual consumption charges, fuel surcharge adjustment, electricity duty, municipal tax and others. Instead of giving any relief, fixed charges have been increased for the industries by another Rs 125 per KVA, bringing it to Rs 290 per KVA from April 1, 2025,” said Jain.

He said the industries was facing a lot of other challenges and working on extremely low margins. This decision would make it increasingly difficult for the industries to sustain their operations in Haryana and if not addressed urgently. It might force many industries to close their operations in Haryana and relocate to neighbouring states where the industrial environment is more supportive and cost-effective,” he said.

“We request the CM to immediately intervene in the matter by withdrawing the increment in fixed charges and entirely withdraw fixed charges for industrial supply for the survival of industries in Haryana,” Jain asserted.