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Due to opposition from some section of industries, TNEB has put on hold its proposal to introduce two-day power holiday for industries from January 1,2009 aimed as part of attempts to tide over the power crisis in the state. While a section of the industry welcomed the measure on the ground that it was better than the existing 40 per cent and 20 per cent power cut for High Tension and Low Tension commercial users respectively, some associations, including the Confederation o f Indian Industry, have opposed it saying the power holiday would hit their production schedule.

With the power shortage in Tamil Nadu oscillating between 1,000 and 2,000 MW over the past six months, the state government had imposed a two-day power holiday every week for industries. The decision was taken at a meeting with industrialists convened by the Minister for Electricity Arcot N Veerasamy.

But subsequently, industry representatives have persuaded government to call off the move.Official sources said till a final decision was taken, the existing power cut and the peak hour cut (6 pm to 10 pm) would continue. State Electricity Minister, Mr N Veerasamy had announced the power holiday proposal after chairing Tamil Nadu Electricity Board's Power Management meeting with industry bodies.

At the meeting, the industrialists were given two options - reduction in existing power cut and introduction of two power holidays in a week. The industries had accepted the second option, he had said. The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry backed the government move but wanted transparency in the implementation.

"It is a positive indication from the Government and what I think is everybody should support the government than criticizing it,'' SICCI Secretary, Mr S Raghavan told PTI. Appreciating the government's initiative, he said the government should stick to its word on implementing the proposal and make sure that there was some kind of relief for the industries as the power shortage was adding to the woes of the industry, which is gripping with global meltdown.

Source - Business line