Agartala, Nov. 21:
Strong opposition to the recent increase in electricity tariffs echoed loudly in the state capital as the Tripura Electricity Consumers Association held a press conference to protest the rising power costs, calling the hike “unjust, anti-people, and economically burdensome.”
Addressing journalists at the association office in Agartala, representatives said that the steep rise in electricity charges would severely affect low and middle-income households, small businesses, farmers, and senior citizens who are already grappling with inflation and rising essential commodity prices.
Association spokesperson Mr. Sudip Deb alleged that the state government has failed to justify the tariff increase, saying, “The hike is not based on realistic production or distribution costs. It is a direct burden on consumers. Instead of improving efficiency, they are shifting financial load onto ordinary people.”
The association demanded immediate withdrawal of the revised tariff and called for a transparent auditing of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation’s financial operations. They stressed that inefficiencies, transmission losses, and poor management should not be compensated by levying additional charges on honest consumers.
Several members pointed out that Tripura, despite being a power-surplus state, has some of the highest electricity rates in the Northeast. They argued that instead of encouraging renewable energy and consumer benefits, the new rates discourage domestic usage and discourage MSME units from expansion.
The protest group urged the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission to intervene and ensure that consumer rights are protected. They also announced plans for district-level awareness campaigns, legal consultations, and possible mass petitions if their demands are not met.
“We are not against modernization or development,” said Mr. Deb. “But development cannot come at the cost of economic survival. Electricity is a basic necessity, not a luxury.”
The press conference concluded with a call for cooperation among citizens, consumer forums, and civic groups to collectively oppose unfair electricity pricing.
