Industrial officials enraged by PPC energy-negotiation demands

Industrial producers are reacting against terms and demands tabled by power utility PPC in ongoing negotiations for new high-voltage tariffs and agreements that take into account new market conditions ushered in by the target model.

Energy-intensive producers, not appeased by PPC’s recent decision to extend its negotiating period by three months – thereby extending the validity of existing agreements with industrial customers until June – claim the power utility is not making any effort to achieve compromise solutions.

The industrial sector is already in crisis, and, furthermore, the recent disruption of operations at steel producer Halyvourgiki and state-controlled nickel producer Larco, leaving PPC with enormous unpaid electricity bills, illustrates the power utility is not adopting government policies for a strategic recovery of the country’s industrial sector, officials at energy-intensive industrial enterprises have complained.

Although industrial energy costs are already too high, PPC is proposing high-voltage tariff increases in the range of 40 to 50 percent, industrial firm officials have noted.

Despite their obvious feelings of discontent, officials at energy-intensive consumers appear willing to keep negotiating with PPC in search of solutions that can enhance the competitiveness of industries.

However, some industrial sub-sectors, such as heavy industry, appear to be far less tolerant. Officials at iron, copper, cement and steel industries believe their proposals are not being considered at PPC.

They want balancing cost and take-or-pay clauses removed from any new agreements. Heavy industry cannot assume such risks and, at the same time, remain productive and competitive, officials stressed.