APTMA seeks exemption from loadshedding

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Spokesman of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has sought from the government exemption from loadshedding to the mills on independent feeders and save workers from redundancy and industry’s viability from erosion.

He said the productivity, viability and sustainability of textile industry could only be ensured if it operated for 365 days a year. However, achieving this ideal situation is becoming difficult due to energy shortage, particularly with the withdrawal of exemption from loadshedding to textile mills on independent feeders.

The textile mills on independent feeders are facing with six hours a day load shedding, ultimately closing down one shift production and lay off workers.

According to APTMA spokesman, total consumption of textile mills on independent feeders is not more than 1,500 MW. The six hours a day supply cut-off means slicing 375 MW in one go, costing industry heavily. Not only jobs but the industry is also losing production, and ultimately the exports, he added.

APTMA spokesman said the textile mills on independent feeders were exempted from loadshedding as a policy by the government before May 2012, contributing to the industrial production, employment and exports of the country. However, recent withdrawal of exemption from load shedding had put the upside down and textile mills on independent feeders were suffering heavily at present, he added.

He further pointed out that the industry supplied on independent feeders carried zero line losses with 100 percent recovery in lesco, Gepco, Fesco, and Iesco regions.

APTMA spokesman said it was not understandable for industry as why the government was adamant to job losses of textile workers for a meagre quantity of 375MW electricity in a situation when the holy month of Ramazan is on the anvil.

He said APTMA was further justified in its demand when the energy shortage was quite manageable as present shortage was not more than 2,500 MW.

He has expressed the hope that the Minister for Water and Power would direct the concerned authorities to exempt textile industry from load shedding immediately to save industry, jobs and exports of the country in a highly challenging time.