Lower power tariff for all cold storages in Maharashtra

All the cold storages in Maharashtra including the high voltage consumers will now be entitled to lower power tariff as per the ruling given by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission.
    
Earlier, only cold storages using low voltage were entitled to get lower tariff, while high voltage consumers were required to pay Rs4.60 to Rs5.70 per unit.
    
Pre-cooling or cold storages is a big industry in the state which facilitates storing of vegetables and other farm products for a longer time.
    
The cold storages which paid higher tariff would get refund from August 2009 onwards, said a press release issued by the Maharashtra State Power Consumer Organisation, which fought for the reduction.
    
Cold storages using low voltage are charged at the rate of Rs1.37 per unit. There are over 400 cold storages operating in Maharashtra who will be benefited by the new decision, the release said.