Thiruvananthapuram: A high-power committee of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has recommended to the government that electricity-based industries should be allowed to bring power from outside the state. The committee also asked to liberalise the norms to produce electricity in the private sector.

A few corporates like Indian Aluminium Company (IAC) have given a memorandum that they are in a crisis due to the hike in the power tariff. Their demand is that either the rates should be lowered or they should be allowed to bring electricity from outside the state.

They have also warned that unless their demand is met the industries will be closed down. UDF convener Oommen Chandy said the committee’s recommendations will be made after considering these facts.

The UDF recommends reasonable rent for using the lines of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to bring power from outside. Another recommendation is that those business houses that start their own power projects should be allowed to use the entire power generated at their stations. As per the existing rules, half the power should be bought from the KSEB.

Chandy said the norms have been made liberal because the response for starting power stations in the private sector is not very enthusiastic. He also said the industrial units are given the permission to bring power because it was impossible to give power at a reduced rate to IAC alone.

The committee has also asked the government to introduce the joint university bill in the next assembly section. A nine-member subcommittee has been empowered to look into the issues in the handloom sector.