Footwear association says shocked by new peak-hour power policy

The Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (LEFASO) has protested against the new power tariff during peak hours, saying it increases production costs.

Since March 1 enterprises have been charged almost double the normal cost between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Earlier, only use between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. was subject to peak rates.

In a note sent to the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Monday, LEFASO said if businesses avoid working during peak hours, it could affect the efficiency and health of workers.

Also on Monday, Nguyen Duc Hoan, chairman of the HCMC Association of Garments, Textiles, Embroidery and Knitting, said his association has complained to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee about the new peak-hour power-pricing policy.

The association said in a note that it is unreasonable since the 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. slot is a key period for production.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Huu Hao had said earlier the new pricing policy for power use is to encourage businesses to tweak their schedules and reduce electricity consumption during peak hours.

Tuoi Tre

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