Date:31/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/31/stories/2008123158230300.htm

Tamil Nadu

CII takes exception to Minister’s announcement

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI/COIMBATORE: The government’s proposal to lift power cut for industry and go in for a regional system of holidays has evoked mixed response.

While the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has taken exception to the Electricity Minister’s announcement, the Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA) has welcomed it.

Manikam Ramaswami, chairman, CII-Tamil Nadu, said industry would have to pay higher charges for the same quantum of power it was getting now. If implemented, the move would derail the plans of firms that had tied up with private power producers through open access. Welcoming the proposal, TANSTIA president D. Gandhikumar, appealed to the Minister to consider exempting low-tension and low-tension current transformer service connections from the peak hour restrictions.