The industrial units on independent feeders have termed the new load management formula equal to out of frying pan into fire with no idea as who is behind this anti-industry step. According to the new formula, exemption from loadshedding to the industrial units on independent feeders would be subject to load reduction by 40 percent and 25 percent during peak and off-peak hours respectively.
New load management formula would extend total span of loadshedding to seven hours a day against earlier duration of six hours a day. It may be noted that Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf had assured the industry of exempting from loadshedding right after the holy month of Ramazan.
Accordingly, the Federal Minister for Wapda Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar announced exemption from loadshedding to the industrial units on independent feeders a few days back. However, the notification issued in the follow up of this statement affixed the exemption from loadshedding with the condition of load reduction. The industry has no idea as why the notification issued by the ministry was contradicting the minister.
This notification stirred the industry at large, consuming some 1500MW/month at present to keep their operations alive amidst an unprecedented energy crisis in the country. The industrial circles have criticised the EMC for irrational formula of load reduction.
Sources in the EMC, however, denied of any involvement and pointed out that it was the Load Management Committee taking decisions on load management. It may be noted that industrial units on independent feeders were facing four hours a day loadshedding prior to six hours a day loadshedding. According to the sources in the industry on independent feeders, the government should revert to original arrangement of four hours a day loadshedding during peak hours and abandon the idea of load reduction.