OPS demands immediate withdrawal of new electricity tariff in TN

CHENNAI: Condemning the hike in the electricity tariff, AIADMK coordinator and former chief minister O Panneerselvam on Sunday urged the DMK government to immediately withdraw the proposal.

Stating that electricity plays an important role in the development of industries and the economy, the AIADMK leader said "the hike in electricity charges has increased the burden of the people".

Alleging that DMK had promised that the electricity charges will be made monthly against the existing bi-monthly bill system besides providing free 300 units for weavers, Panneerselvam said after coming to power DMK did not fulfill its promise till now.

"The DMK government had also ignored all the suggestions that were made by various political leaders, the general public, and several social activists when the hike was announced in July", he said, "it was also shocking to note that the government had also announced that people, who do not want 100 unit free electricity, could surrender it".

Pannerselvam also condemned the state government's proposal to hike the electricity tariff every year till 2026. "The DMK, it its poll manifesto, had promised that it would take steps to save Rs 6,000 per year for the people, who use less than 1,000 unit electricity by introducing monthly bill system", he said adding "however, after coming to power till the DMK government has not introduced it".

Listing out the new power tariff, Panneerselvam said "people, who use between 100 to 200 units will also be severely affected by the new proposal".

Pointing out that non-domestic electricity charges for industries, commercial establishments, hospitals, and private educational institutions were also increased, the AIADMK coordinator said "this will lead to increase in the prices of commodities besides affecting people, who stay at the rented houses".

"With already people were suffering from inflation, increase in property tax, imposition of GST, increase in LPG cylinder price and hike in milk products", he said adding "the proposal to increase in electricity tariff look like adding fuel to the fire".

"Therefore, considering all the factors, the chief minister should immediately take steps to withdraw the proposal to increase the electricity charges", he added.