The Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry has said that the industry in State has lost over Rs 12,000 crore worth production in the last two months due to power cuts.
In an interaction with the State Minister for IT, Communications and Endowments, Mr Ponnala Lakshmaiah, Fapcci office-bearers said that the industry has been having two days power cut in a week in addition to four hours daily.
The industry was losing Rs 800 crore on every day of power cut and in this way, every week the industry loses nearly Rs 2,400 crore, they said. The State lost tax revenue to the tune of Rs 1,400 crore in the last two months due to loss of production caused by power cuts.
Fapcci informed the Minister that the worst affected sector was the SSI, which is already vulnerable. It suffers heavily whenever power cuts are imposed. The sector should be given some consideration and cuts should be reduced. Being labour-intensive, it is also leading to loss of jobs, creating industrial and human relations problems.
The Minister requested the Chairman and Managing Director of AP Transmission Corporation, Mr Ajay Jain, whether the SSI can be given due consideration and reduce power cuts.
Mr Jain explained that two power plants were down and the supply has become quite critical to meet the rising demand. He expects the power cut to be reduced to one day from December 20. To meet power shortage in January to May 2012, Mr Jain informed that about 400 MW will be purchased from the Southern Region and another 400 MW may be made available from gas-based power plants in the State.