Title: Panchkula Residents Hit Hard by Steep Rise in Electricity Charges
Panchkula, a city known for its tranquil surroundings and picturesque views, has been hit hard by a sudden and steep rise in electricity charges. The Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) has issued new bills for the month of May 2025, and the contents have left residents, particularly those from the middle class, reeling in shock.
The new tariff structure and fixed charges have led to a significant increase in electricity bills, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet. The residents of Panchkula are up in arms against the UHBVN, demanding a rollback of the increased charges. The situation has become so dire that even the local administration has been forced to take notice.
According to the new tariff structure, the fixed charges for residential consumers have been increased from Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,800 per month. This means that even those who use minimal electricity, such as senior citizens and students, are being charged a hefty amount for their daily needs. The increase in fixed charges is not the only issue; the unit rates have also been hiked, making it even more challenging for residents to manage their expenses.
The new bills have been issued to over 1.5 lakh consumers in Panchkula, and the impact is being felt across the city. Middle-class families, who were already struggling to make ends meet, are finding it difficult to cope with the increased expenses. Many residents are forced to cut back on their daily essentials, including food and clothing, just to pay their electricity bills.
The residents are not only upset about the increased charges but also the lack of transparency in the billing process. Many consumers have complained that their bills are being calculated incorrectly, leading to overcharging. The lack of communication from the UHBVN has only added to the frustration.
The local administration has tried to intervene, but so far, the situation remains unchanged. The Panchkula Municipal Corporation has written to the UHBVN, seeking a rollback of the increased charges, but the utility has refused to budge. The residents are now planning to take their protest to the streets, demanding justice from the authorities.
The steep rise in electricity charges is not the only issue plaguing Panchkula. The city has been facing power cuts for several days, leaving residents without electricity during peak summer hours. The heatwave has only exacerbated the situation, making it even more challenging for residents to cope.
The UHBVN has attributed the increase in electricity charges to the rising costs of electricity purchase from the grid and transmission losses. However, the residents are not convinced, and many believe that the utility is taking advantage of its monopoly to rake in profits.
The situation is not unique to Panchkula; other cities in Haryana and Punjab are also facing similar issues. The residents are demanding a more transparent and accountable billing system, as well as a rollback of the increased charges. The authorities need to take immediate action to address the concerns of the residents and ensure that they are not forced to bear the brunt of the utility’s inefficiencies.
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