Textile mills urge special power tariff to boost home-grown industries
The association expressed concern that the proposed electricity rate hike for 2025-26 would harm industries and impact their productivity.
The Madhya Pradesh Textile Mills Association has urged the state government to introduce a separate tariff for the textile industry under the Power Intensive Tariff category to help local industries struggling with high power tariffs and operational costs. In a letter to the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, the association emphasised the need for a specialised tariff to support the textile sector.
The association noted that global disruptions, such as geopolitical tensions and the Red Sea crisis, have negatively affected industries worldwide, including those in Madhya Pradesh. These disruptions have reduced industrial production, demand, and exports. To strengthen local industries, the association has called for a distinct tariff for the textile industry under the Power Intensive Tariff category.
The association expressed concern that the proposed electricity rate hike for 2025-26 would harm industries and impact their productivity. A hearing for the proposed tariff increase is scheduled for February 11, 2025, with the Discom proposing a 7.52 per cent hike. The proposal also includes a rise in fixed charges, with an increase of Rs 46.00 per KVA for 33 KV supply and Rs 53 for 132/220 KV supply.
Additionally, the proposed tariff removes the 10 per cent Time of the Day rebate that was available from 10 PM to 6 AM in 2024-25. The association argued that the changes were implemented without proper load curve analysis, pre-publication, or soliciting stakeholder input.
The association pointed out that the state has surplus power, which is sold at reduced rates, and objected to Discom’s proposal to impose a 20 per cent surcharge during peak hours. It also advocated for allowing HT consumers to use 10 per cent of their contracted load for activities such as expansion, renovation, and modification, which are essential for on-going industrial operations.
