Hyderabad (HESCO), a rather developed industrial city, faces a very acute problem of electricity load shedding. This has been leaning heavily on companies that are situated in industrial regions; they have been forced to demean their productivity and functioning. In a meeting that was held in HCSTSI recently, the problem of the city’s electricity has been discussed further, detailing the need to apply pressure on the concerned authorities as well as the power distribution facilities such as HESCO.
Effect of Load Shedding on Industries
Hyderabad, particularly Kotri Hyderabad and Nooriabad, have been experiencing load shedding for a longer period of time with negative impacts on the business people. Addressing the meeting, Farooq Shekhani, the President of HCSTSI, mentioned that the power interruptions are making mammoth problems to businesses in the service delivery of goods and production. The express feeders, which could give direct power supply to the industrial sectors, have not been installed, and the situation has become worse.
These power outages lead to loss-making, high costs of production, and general inefficiencies, which are felt by both small and big businesses. Some factories that mostly depended on uninterruptible power supply for the operational requirements of the machines have also incurred a lot of losses from these arbitrary blackouts.
Request For Dedicated Express Feeders
To counter these problems, Farooq Shekhani asked the authorities to ensure that expressed feeders are reserved for industrial sectors. These feeders, if fitted, would provide constant electric supply to industries, thereby increasing their efficiency and the economic structure for producers. He emphasised that the problem of availability of a steady power supply has been the biggest hindrance to development of industries in Hyderabad and the surrounding areas.
The people are willing to openly collaborate with the authorities, but it seems that prompt actions in the sphere of electricity are imperative, she said. He also said that the fact that several dialogue sessions between the representatives of the business and the local government have been held, the problem has still not been addressed.
Commissioner Hyderabad’s Assurance on Electricity Crisis
While having a meeting, Commissioner Hyderabad Bilal Ahmed Memon confessed the fact that the issue of electricity load shedding is sensitive in industrial zones of Karachi. He sought to comfort the businesspeople by informing them that authorities were working towards the scrap dealer question.
He told the participants that he had written a letter to the Sindh Energy Department that should solve the electricity cuts and load shedding being faced by the industrial areas. To him, the Energy Department is nowadays assessing the situation and it is expected to make the necessary efforts meant to reduce the effects of load shedding on industries.
Commissioner Memon also re-emphasised the government’s pro-activeness in providing uninterrupted power supply, on which he stressed was important for continued economic growth of Hyderabad. He said that the government has assured that the load-shedding issue would be addressed, and doing so would also assist the businesses and promote investment.
HESCO’s Role in Electricity Distribution
The problems that have been experienced in the electricity distribution have involved Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). Since its formation, HESCO has failed to sort out the power outages, even though the business owners and other stakeholders have complained several times. One of the issues of concern has been the existing infrastructure that cannot satisfy the increasing electricity consumption by the industrial segments.
This has largely raised concern among the business community and residents due to inefficiencies observed in HESCO. Despite the assurance from the management of this company, what is actually on the ground for industries that depend on a stable source of electricity to operate is quite poor.
The Industrial Growth
Hyderabad has many industries, which include textile industries, manufacturing industries, and heavy industries like those in the production of machines, which, if they have to run efficiently, need electric power that is steady. Tensions and frequent power cuts are not only affecting business day-to-day progression but also business has been facing losses. For the industries to survive and prosper, the power supply must be consistent without any power interruption.
Contract implementation is also negatively impacting power consumption and is also discouraging would-be investors from establishing themselves in Hyderabad through electricity load shedding. This is often the case, especially when they are growing or seeking a new location; regions with steady power infrastructure hold allot of weight. In case the load-shedding problem remains unsolved in the near future, Hyderabad’s industrial development and overall development may experience a slowdown.
Preventive Measures Required for Hyderabad’s Electricity Shock
The load-shedding crisis in Hyderabad requires retrofitting, planning and development that can meet the community’s power need. Depending on the location of express feeders, they may provide a short-term solution to power generation and distribution in industrial zones, but in order to cope with a growing demand for electricity in residential zones and industries, thorough work on proper rewiring and upgrading of the power grid is necessary.
What the Sindh government has to do in cooperation with HESCO is, first of all, they all have to mobilize resources for upgrading the electrical distribution system, for switching over to non-conventional sources of energy and yet again, minimize dependence upon the grid supply. Moreover, the nurturing of cooperation with private actors in the establishment of local energy systems might be one of the ways to follow.
Conclusion: Urgent Action Required
This reason alone clearly shows that it is impossible for any industrial sectors in Hyderabad to work effectively under the ever-looming menace of electricity load shedding. When the business community speaks of the need for express feeders as well as dedicated power solutions, government authorities and HESCO must focus on eradicating the electricity problems affecting the city. Keeping up these efforts and cooperation, Hyderabad confidently will be out of electricity crisis, which opens up the way to industrial and further economic development.
FAQs
Q1: Why does frequent load shedding continue to be a feature of Industrial areas in Hyderabad?
A1: Poor infrastructure and increasing tendency of power demands cause frequent power shutdowns in industrial sectors.
Q2: What are express feeders, and how useful are they?
A2: Express feeders supply electrical power continuously, most especially in industrial regions.
Q3: Who is the supplier of electricity in Hyderabad?
A3: HESCO stands for Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, and it is undergoing the distribution of electricity in the region.
Q4: How can load-shedding problems be addressed?
A4: Commissioner Hyderabad has called for actions from the Sindh Energy Department in making corresponding measures to the current crisis.
Q5: What is the effect of load shedding on industries in Hyderabad?
A5: Load shedding affects production, raises expenses, and slows the economic development of industries.
