Tue Apr 29 10:40:33 UTC 2025: ## Puducherry Residents Protest Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike

**Puducherry, April 29, 2025** – Strong opposition has emerged against a proposed multi-year electricity tariff hike in Puducherry. At a public hearing held on Tuesday by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), residents, political representatives, and trade organizations voiced concerns over the Puducherry Electricity Department’s business plan for 2025-2030.

Independent MLA Nehru alias Kuppusamy led the criticism, highlighting the lack of improvement in electricity services despite annual tariff increases. He cited frequent power disruptions and the failure to address consumer complaints, including billing issues, as key concerns. He also pointed to the lack of action on establishing a new substation, despite repeated requests.

V. Balasubramanian, president of the Pondicherry State Student and Parents Welfare Association, questioned the rationale for a multi-year tariff hike without corresponding infrastructure improvements. He argued that consumers should not bear the burden of losses due to power theft and faulty meter readings.

Several NGOs and political parties also opposed the hike, questioning its necessity given the planned privatization of power distribution. They expressed disappointment over the department’s failure to reduce distribution losses and recover outstanding dues from government departments and high-tension consumers.

While an Electricity Department official clarified that no tariff hike was proposed for the current fiscal year, the public hearing clearly revealed significant public dissatisfaction with the existing services and the proposed plan. The JERC Chairperson, Alok Tandon, and Member (Law), Jyoti Prasad, were present at the meeting.

Read More