CHENNAI: Stating that the increase in power tariff is crippling micro, small and medium enterprises, Tamil Nadu Industrial Electricity Consumers’ Federation has urged the State government to suspend the hike for the next two years. G Sankaran, president of TN, Pondy Plastic Association, which is a part of the Federation, said that the industry is facing economic slowdown, rising cost of raw materials, shortage of skilled manpower, and GST issues. “Micro, small and medium enterprises are facing severe impact due to excessive increase in electricity charges. Despite several appeals to government, no solution has been found. Also, the annual increase in electricity charges is threatening to cripple the micro, small and medium enterprises permanently,” he said. “Roof top solar networking charges should be completely eliminated. Networking charges are only a very minimal annual income for the electricity board,” he urged. Meanwhile, the Federation has announced a protest and to stop production on Monday.