Govt simplifies industrial gas distribution to boost efficiency

FE Report
The government has simplified the industrial gas distribution system, allowing factories within the same premises and ownership to transfer unused gas load with approval from the relevant gas company's managing director or regional head, aiming to improve service amid rising demand.
The Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Monday issued a circular in this regard outlining the revised guidelines to address challenges.
Leaders of the country's primary textile mills welcomed the move, saying the reforms would help enhance productivity, reduce cost and streamline operations, particularly for energy-intensive textile and garment sectors.
Industrial units can rearrange or replace gas equipment keeping the approved hourly load unchanged, according to the circular.
Commissioning work must be carried out by contractors enlisted with the relevant gas company, while no permission from the gas distribution company will be required, it added.
Industrial units under the same premises and ownership can transfer gas load allocated under the captive power category to the industrial category within the same premises and ownership.
But gas load from the industrial power category cannot be transferred to captive use.
The circular further states that gas distribution and marketing companies must verify the quality of meters within seven days of the installation.
Welcoming the move, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) in a statement issued on Monday termed the measures positive and timely.
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