Flagging up the impact of rising power tariff for the manufacturing sector, the Confederation of Indian Industry, Telangana, (CII-TS), has appealed to the State government to reduce the rates and wheeling charges and facilitate companies to benefit by harnessing more solar energy.
Power prices have gone up significantly hurting the manufacturing firms, Chairman Vagish Dixit said, pointing out that the electricity cost accounted for 25-30% of operating expenditure for companies, even 50% for some. Stating that the industry body had highlighted the challenges faced by the firms, on this count, to the Industries Secretary, he said besides supply at lower rates, it had sought reduction of wheeling charges and permission to companies to purchase power from private producers.
CII-TS, which plans to meet the regulators and Chief Secretary next month, also wants the 1 MW cap on solar power generation by companies to be removed. Enhancing the share of solar power had become important with most international customers, of the companies, emphasising sustainability measures. “They want to see if you have a carbon footprint that is neutral or negative,” Mr. Dixit said in a virtual media interaction on Friday, his first after assuming office as Chairman.
