MSMEs seek time to pay additional fixed deposits for electricity consumption
Industrial associations in Coimbatore are requesting the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation to allow payment of additional fixed deposits in 12 installments rather than the current 30-day window. They are also urging the utility to implement a 2023 government order regarding tariff changes for micro-enterprises.
Why it matters
The dispute underscores the financial strain on MSMEs and the friction between industrial policy implementation and utility billing practices.
Members of the Federation of Coimbatore Industrial Associations (FOCIA) submitted a memorandum to officials of the Tamilnadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited on Thursday (August 27), demanding time to pay the additional fixed deposit amount raised by the Corporation.
They said in the memorandum that some of the MSME units have got notice from the TNPDCL demanding additional fixed deposit running to lakhs of rupees. If they pay it online, they have to remit the entire amount. If they pay in cash at the counter, they can pay in three instalments.
“We have sought time to pay the amount in 12 instalments, and this should be available for online payments as well,” said M. Raveendran, president of the Coimbatore Compressor Industries Association.
The TNPDCL is collecting the additional fixed deposit after eight years and has given the consumers just 30 days time, said the federation in the memorandum.
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