The Power Factor

Hansavivek MADRAS ALUMINIUM COMPANY has fared better during 1979, mainly because of 87 million units of power received from APSEB during the lean summer months, as per barter deal between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments, which resulted in the exemption being given to it by the TN government during the power cut periods. A fresh barter arrangement has been concluded in February last for three years as part of the power supply agreement by TN government with the Government of Kerala. MALCO is to supply 3,600 tonnes of metal in exchange for supply of 72 million units of power each year. Because of this ar-- rangement, the 30 per cent power cut enforced in the state for HT industries in 1980 has not been, made applicable to MALCO. The company produced 22,482 tonnes of primary metal and 10,634 tonnes of properzi rods during 1979 against 23,117 tonnes and 10,500 tonnes, respectively, during 1978. Sales amounted to Rs 23.48 crores against The Week's Companies (Rs Lakhs)