Accusing Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi of going back on his word that power tariff in the State will not be increased, AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa on Monday said the new tariff would result in overall price rise.
In a statement here, Ms. Jayalalithaa recalled the Chief Minister's explanation in the Assembly on May 5, that news about increase in power tariff was nothing but a figment of imagination. “Now the imagination has become a reality.”
She said the hike would severely affect the poor and the middle class, especially those in urban areas.
“Lack of ventilation”
“Lack of ventilation in urban areas has forced people to use the fan throughout the day. In crowded localities people depend on electric lights even in day time. In these circumstances, every household easily consumes 300 units per month and crosses the limit of 600 units.”
Increase in power tariff would apply to those who consume more than 600 units.
Ms. Jayalalithaa said as power tariff for factories and private educational institutes had been increased this would have a direct bearing on the general public.
Factories would increase the price of their products and schools would increase fees.
