Surat: Textile industry representatives in South Gujarat have voiced concern over a proposed weekly power cut of eight hours, urging govt and electricity distribution companies to consult industries on timings and related operational issues.Representatives from the textile weaving and processing segments said they are not opposing load management measures in principle, but want staggering planned in a way that does not disrupt production cycles and delivery commitments.Following representations from industries, officials of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) demanded that electricity staggering be restricted to night hours and limited to once a week. Industry sources said a power cut from 4pm to 12 midnight was earlier being considered, but after objections from industrial bodies, the schedule is being reconsidered. However, govt agencies and electricity distribution companies are now planning a longer shutdown of around 12 hours beginning at 6pm, which has raised fresh concerns.“We have suggested that the power cut should be after 7 pm for eight hours once in a week, but the companies are demanding to call for power cut from 6 pm. Along with power cut, other major issues are also impacting the industries related to electricity supply,” SGCCI officials said.Textile processing industry leadership also sought assurance of uninterrupted supply on other days. An industrialist said that while units can adjust to a limited weekly cut in the current challenging environment, repeated disruptions through the week would adversely affect operations.Industrial clusters such as Kim and Pipodara have also reported issues linked to poor coordination between Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (DGVCL) and Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd (GETCO). After raising concerns at local offices without satisfactory resolution, SGCCI has taken the matter to govt.With industrial expansion across multiple pockets and growth in sectors beyond textiles, electricity demand is rising while distribution infrastructure is operating near maximum capacity. Industry bodies have sought improved DGVCL-GETCO coordination, increased substation and distribution capacity, a time-bound process for new connections, and joint coordination meetings with trade and industrial associations.
