The All Pakistan Power Looms Association (APPLA) has urged a reevaluation of electricity policies impacting the power looms sector, citing that recent changes have led to operational challenges, especially for small-scale units.
These concerns were highlighted by APPLA Central President Abdul Khaliq Qandeel Ansari during a meeting of the association. The discussion focused on issues like restrictions on B1 electricity connections up to 8 kW, the suspension of net metering connections, limitations on load enhancements, and the non-increase of B2 transformer load.
According to Ansari, the power looms sector is crucial for generating employment and boosting exports, thus requiring supportive policies for its sustainability. He noted that measures such as those affecting marginal increases in MD1 load have resulted in elevated electricity expenses for some units, exacerbating their financial pressures.
The meeting highlighted that many industrialists have made considerable investments, and assistance from relevant departments would enhance electricity utilization and ensure uninterrupted industrial operations.
Participants appealed to the government to relax restrictions on load enhancement and net metering to alleviate the challenges faced by the power looms industry. They also proposed that engaging stakeholders in consultations could contribute to developing more practical and balanced policies.
The session ended with a hope that the government would consider the sector’s concerns and implement measures to foster industrial growth and economic stability.
