The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has lifted load restrictions on industrial units across the state after more than a year the state plunged into a crisis and many units shut down. Bringing cheer to more than 24 lakh industrial consumers, the APERC on July 2 asked the power distribution companies (discoms) to ensure 100 per cent power supply to industries during non-peak hours.
However, during peak hours in the morning and evening, some restrictions on power consumption ranging from 10 per cent to 35 per cent will still be in place, officials said. More than 40 lakh workers are employed in the industrial and manufacturing sectors that have been crippled due to steep power shortage since 2011. The latest move would give some relief to the sector that is reeling under heavy losses and facing the threat of closure.