Two weeks after showcasing Kerala as a shining, investor-friendly state in Emerging Kerala Summit, the industries in Kerala will plunge into darkness with the introduction of loadshedding for one hour during morning and evening.
Small-scale industries which are functioning round-the-clock would be the most affected with most of them forcing to switch over to generators during the peak hours.
To maintain production, the industries have to change shift or provide overtime to workers incurring huge loss. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) chairman V K Mathews said that power is the major sector which the Kerala Government has to seriously look into. Wind energy is the least exploited sector in Kerala and it should be given more focus. Though the capital investment is huge, the operating expense is less and it will ensure power for a long period of time,” he said.
Though Kerala is comfortable when compared to neighbouring states, an investor will not be interested to invest in a power deficit State.
Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA) state president Shaji Sebastian said that showcasing Kerala as an industry-friendly state and imposing loadshedding will result in a negative impact to Kerala. KSSIA has decided to approach the government to provide subsidy for purchase of generators so that the power consumption can be reduced and the production will not be affected.
He alleged that there are no long-term power projects planned in the state and without proper planning the industries would be forced to reduce or stop production.
Already, the KSEB had submitted a request to government for considering the tariff hike for industries. The proposal is to collect market price for 30 per cent of the consumption and a decision in this regard is yet to be taken by the government.