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| 12-hour power outages shock businesses |
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Friday, May 22, 2009
By Mansoor Ahmad
Load-shedding has crippled the industry in Lahore as the industries had to curtail their production due to eight hours of power cut while commercial centres were facing 12 hours of outages.
Non-availability of power has become a pinnacle issue of manufacturing industries operating around the city. Most of the exporting units are facing problems even with gas generators because their prices have soared. They are dejected over the fact that the government is delaying the decision to reduce gas prices to gather revenue. This delay is increasing their cost of power generation.
The industries and commercial markets are also eagerly waiting for the reduction in petrol and diesel rates, as small manufacturers and shopkeepers operate diesel generators during power outages.
Load-shedding for 12 hours has shocked everyone whereas the newly appointed PEPCO chief has been boasting of a better performance this year. Power-cuts this year have increased by 50 per cent as compared to last year. There is an impression that mismanagement in power distribution has increased this year.
The PEPCO once blamed the circular debt of over Rs172 billion for the erratic power generation. The federal government had arranged financing for half the amount to pay off the independent power producers that in turn were expected to pay back the Pakistan State Oil (PSO). However, the PSO is still reported to be burdened with heavy outstanding amounts that have curtailed its capacity to import and keep adequate oil stocks. The government now intends to provide resources to pay off balance of Rs172 billion circular debt. This time it would be more prudent to pay the amount directly to PSO on behalf of each IPP so that the pressure on imports eases.
Usually consumers get agitated over the heavy load-shedding but despite braving the peak heat season domestic consumers have not come out on the streets. The industrialists however have started raising voices. Industrialists in Punjab’s largest industrial estates, Kotlakhpat have started staging demonstration against load-shedding. The manufacturers are worried because the workers’ productivity is waning as they cannot rest at home because of power disruption at every hour. Secondly, they can operate only two out of three shifts as power supply remains cut for 6 to 8 hours.
Some industries are facing problems because they are getting power supply from feeders that have been declared domestic feeders. Load-shedding in these feeders last for 12-16 hours as these are in rural areas. In many cases these feeders cater to 40-45 per cent domestic consumers, 55-60 per cent industries and should be declared industrial feeders to qualify for one stretch load-shedding of about 6-8 hours. Most of the industries being supplied with power from domestic feeders have closed down after excessive load-shedding. Only some exporting industries with self-owned generators are operating on the hope that this phase of electricity shortage would be over in few months as promised by the government.
The present PEPCO MD, who before assuming charge was a spokesman of PEPCO, remains unavailable for comment.
It is worth noting that certain localities and institutions have been exempted from load-shedding. People fume in anger when on one hand chief minister’s residence is fully illuminated and on the other they are deprived of electricity.
mansoor.malhr@gmail.com
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ISSN 1563-9479 
