With the Andaman and Nicobar Islands facing an extended power shortage, the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) has issued a public appeal for cooperation from business houses, commercial establishments, and the hospitality sector to help manage the demand load over the next three months.
The appeal follows a meeting convened at the Secretariat conference hall on August 2, chaired by Director (Power) Pravesh Jha (DANICS), to address the worsening electricity supply situation. Officers from the Electricity Department, chamber representatives, and members of the hotel association participated in the discussions.
According to officials, the islands will continue to face power shortages for at least the next quarter due to unresolved supply constraints. In response, a series of demand-side measures were proposed to prevent unmanageable strain on the limited electricity infrastructure.
As part of the immediate steps, all hotels and restaurants have been asked to operate on their own power generators between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Commercial offices have been advised to shut down by 6:00 p.m., while retail shops and markets are expected to close no later than 7:30 p.m.
These timings aim to ease peak-hour consumption and ensure that essential services receive priority power distribution. The administration has stressed that voluntary compliance from the business community is critical in avoiding more severe disruptions, such as unannounced load shedding or rolling blackouts.
In a formal communication dated August 6, the ANCCI reiterated the urgency of the matter. “We appeal to all members & business houses and commercial establishments to extend cooperation as requested by administration,” said General Secretary Madan Lal in the official appeal letter.
The letter reflects concerns raised by the Electricity Department that the ongoing supply shortfall could be exacerbated if consumption is not immediately brought under control during peak hours. While longer-term solutions are reportedly being explored, officials have emphasized that collective short-term discipline is the only way to ensure equitable power distribution.
Business owners, particularly in the hospitality sector, are expected to bear the brunt of these measures. However, the ACCI and Power Department have urged them to view the restrictions as a necessary contribution to stabilizing the energy supply chain and preventing blackouts in residential areas.
While some businesses have expressed concerns over potential revenue losses, especially during evening peak hours, the broader sentiment appears to support the move in the interest of public welfare. Many shop owners and restaurateurs have begun making arrangements to align with the new timing protocol, with generator usage rising across Sri Vijaya Puram and adjoining areas.
The ACCI has stated that it will continue to coordinate with the administration and Electricity Department to monitor the situation. Residents and customers have also been urged to plan their purchases and visits within the revised business hours. Officials have hinted that stricter enforcement measures could be introduced if voluntary compliance remains low.
