Power Cut Lifted, But Power Holiday Introduced...

CHENNAI: The State government has proposed to lift the 40 per cent power cut imposed on high tension (HT) industrial units and commercial establishments and 20 per cent cut on low-tension (LT) consumers and LT current transformer (LTCT) service connections.

Instead, the industrial units will have their operations five days a week. A system of holidays for different regions on two days a week will be in force by dividing the State into six regions.

Peak-hour restrictions, now applied in the case of the HT, LT (industrial and commercial consumers) and LTCT consumers, will continue.

If approved, the new system of regulations will come into force on January 1, according to a senior official.

A formal order is likely to be issued in a day or two.

This was decided at a meeting held by Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami with industrialists at the Secretariat on Monday.

Senior government officials were present at the meeting.

Two options were discussed at the meeting. One pertained to the introduction of the five-day week. The other option was reduction in the quantum of power cut from 40 per cent to 30 per cent for HT consumers and 20 per cent to 15 per cent for LTCT consumers.

The official explained that the move to lift the scheme of power cut and follow the system of regional holidays was on the basis of the government’s anticipation of reduction in demand for power from industry in the wake of global meltdown.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board would be able to save 800 to 1,000 MW by following the new regulations.

Noting that Neyveli Lignite Corporation had stepped up its generation of late, the official said that of about 1,100 MW, the State was getting around 830 MW. Another 300 MW was expected in a few days.

According to the Minister, a total of 600 MW of the Central share would be received by the middle of January.

Relief to Board
Through peak-hour restrictions, the Board was getting relief to the tune of 1,200 MW. The official said the authorities were contemplating disconnection of the service connection as a deterrent measure in the event of violation of the restrictions.

The government was keen on ensuring a minimum of 20 hours supply to domestic consumers and 10 hours three-phased supply to agriculturists, the official said.

Source : The Hindu