Power cut to be lifted in nine essential sectors

Chennai, Oct 20 (UNI) With the recent rains mitigating the acute power shortage, the Tamil Nadu today announced lifting of power cuts in respect of nine essential sectors, while banning supply of power for all private functions, barring temple festivals.

Announcing the conditions for power usage by various sectors that would come into effect from November 1, an official statement here said essential sectors like hospitals, central and state government offices, foreign consulates, railway links, media and television channels, communication links, educational institutions, fertiliser companies and milk cooling plants would no longer face power cuts.

The situation would be reviewed again in December and if necessary, changes would be announced, the statement said and appealed to all sections of the people to cooperate with the government to tide over the crisis.

The government said it would ensure ten-hour three-phase and 14-hour single phase power supply in villages. Farmers could operate their pump sets for six hours during days and four hours during nights.

They were advised against using power when the single phase power supply was in operation.

In respect of urban areas, domestic consumers would be guaranteed a minimum of 20 hours power supply. Those who use more than 600 units in two months were advised to cut their usage by 20 per cent.

Those exceeding the limits would be charged 50 per cent extra tariff, the statement said.

Industries and commercial establishments using high-tension power would face 40 per cent cut on demand and consumption.

The demand charge would be reduced accordingly.

In respect of industries and establishments using low tension power, the power cut would be 20 per cent.

''These sectors, which use more than 2,000 units in two months, were advised to cut down their consumption by 20 per cent. If they exceed the limits, they would be charges 50 per cent for the additional units they use.

As the government wanted to ensure uninterrupted power supply between 1800 hrs and 2200 hrs for domestic consumers and in public places, industries and commercial establishments using low tension power should not seek power from the electricity board during this time.

''If they use power during this time, power supply would be cut to those industries and commercial establishment'', the statement said.

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