Kerala Congress(S) appeals govt not to hike power charges

Kottayam, Dec 18 (UNI) Kerala Congress (Secular) Leader P C George today appealed to the state government not to hike electricity charges in the state.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr George said additional burden should not be imposed on the people. The electricity Board might have incurred loss, but the tariff should not be hiked in that name.

Tariff enhancement was not the alternative for undertaking development activities, he said and added that steps should be taken to collect the outstanding electricity charges from various departments and public sector institutions which was estimated to the tune of Rs 2,500 crore.

Equalisation of the tariff rate of domestic and industrial consumers would be detrimental to domestic consumers, as their rate would go up considerably, he said and demanded that the prevailing cross subsidy system should not be lifted. Cross subsidy was necessary for maintaining social justice, he added.

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