Hoteliers want power tariff hike put off by a year, installation of prepaid meters

BENGALURU: The power tariff hike has come as a shocker for consumers including commercial users. Stung by the sharp increase, the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association has appealed to Energy Minister K J George to put off the hike for one year and reduce taxes from 9 per cent to 3 per cent.

In a letter to the minister, the association has suggested minimising transmission and distribution losses, collection of dues from state and central government departments along with interest, installation of prepaid meters and return of consumers’ deposits and reduction of unwanted administrative expenses.

Krishnaraj of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association said they are hoping for a positive response.

“We have written to the minister on the huge burden the tariff hike will pose on us. Along with certain demands, we have also made certain suggestions. Now, there is loadshedding also which is causing problems. The tariff has increased by about 40 per cent and we are facing huge problems. We are confident that the government will consider our request positively”, said Krishnaraj of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association.