Power tariff hike acceptable for sustained supply: APTMA

16 Aug '13

2 min read

Industrialists are well aware that unrelenting power supply can only be expected if they pay actual production cost, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Group Leader Gohar Ejaz said, and added that industrialists are ready to accept the power tariff hike if the Government vouches to keep its promise of reducing the rates after three years, The News reported.

The statement comes after all the condemnations and rejections following recent announcement of up to 70 percent hike in the power tariffs.

Mr. Ejaz said while the Government plans to introduce low-cost electricity in the medium-term to reduce power rates, the textile industries are also developing ways to boost their efficiencies to balance the power tariff hike.

APTMA has decided to establish coal-based power plants at Gadani to meet power requirements of the industry, and has also obtained the Government’s nod for the same. If everything goes well APTMA would be able to provide power to all its members at 50 percent of the prevailing rates over the next 30 months, he added.

Meanwhile, Punjab Industrial Estates Development Company Chairman SM Tanveer said increased power tariffs would force the industries to improve their efficiencies. Pointing out that 90 percent of industries and commercial enterprises do not perform any energy audit, he said such audits can help a unit to save 10-20 percent on power costs.

He hailed the new power policy, but added that timely implementation is necessary for results.

Last month, the Government of Pakistan formulated the National Energy Policy 2013-18 aiming to ensure sustainable power supply through measures like reducing power subsidies, increasing tariffs for commercial and private consumers, generation of low-cost electricity, minimize pilferage and adulteration in power supply and ensuring an efficient distribution network through continuous electronic surveillance.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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