Power surcharge sparks outrage among bizmen

City’s industrial sector is up in arms over the implementation of an additional Rs 2 per unit surcharge on electricity consumed during peak hours. The surcharge applies to industrial operations being run between 6 pm and 10 pm, a move intended to manage power demand during the paddy season. Even as seasonal surcharges are applied every year to preserve energy for paddy cultivation, this year’s hike has drawn sharp criticism from the business community, which claims it is already weathering a downturn.

According to the conditions set by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), factories operating during peak hours must mandatorily pay the additional charge. Failure to comply would effectively mean halting operations during those hours. Entrepreneurs fear this will further dent productivity.

Industrialists argue that the decision contradicts the state government’s earlier promise of providing electricity at Rs 5 per unit. “We are paying well over Rs 10 per unit now. Where is the support for industry that was promised?” asked Rohit Gupta, a businessman from Ludhiana’s Focal Point.

Jatinderpal Singh, another textile industrialist, added that frequent, unannounced power cuts were compounding the crisis. “The new surcharge has also reignited a larger debate around industrial policy in Punjab. While the government pitches itself as investor-friendly, ground realities tell a different story. With these policies the existing industry is facing a difficult time. If this continues, Punjab’s industrial future is at risk,” said Singh.

Industry associations are mobilising to challenge the decision. Many are calling it a betrayal of the trust placed in the government’s promise of affordable and consistent power. “You can’t give free power to one segment while doubling rates for another,” added Vinay Kansal from the hosiery industry.

The frustration from Ludhiana’s industrialists runs deep and it’s not hard to see why. Pankaj Dhir says the Rs 2 surcharge during peak hours is not just unfair, it’s unsustainable. Pointing towards the widening gap between operational reality and policy, Dhir said industry in Punjab was already grappling with high input costs. “The timing of this surcharge couldn’t be worse,” he added.