Chandigarh, May 21 -- Industries in Haryana have been hit with a steep hike in fixed electricity charges, with the state's power distribution companies (discoms) increasing rates by 76 per cent.

The fixed charge has risen from Rs 165 to Rs 290 per kVA per month, burdening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with significantly higher energy bills.

A small industry with a 100 kVA load now faces an increase of Rs 15,500 per month, while medium enterprises could see bills go up by over Rs 40,000.

The Progressive Federation of Trade & Industry (PFTI) estimates the total additional burden on the state's industries at over Rs 2,100 crore annually - Rs 1,195 crore under Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and Rs 950 crore under Uttar Ha...