What plastic, metal makers spend on alternative energy

Latest data from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have shown how much plastic makers and metal/aluminium manufacturers spend on sourcing alternative energy in the face of dwindling power supply across the country.

According to the data, domestic/industrial plastic and rubber players (treated as a group) spent an average of N123.31 million on alternative power sources. On the other hand, players in the metal, iron and steel industry, including aluminium makers, (treated as a group) spent an average of N39.28 million on alternative energy.

“In some extreme cases, some manufacturers spent as much as N581.15 million in the last six months,” the data, which captured manufacturers’ energy spend between January and June 2014, said.

“This, to manufacturers, is on the high side, particularly the small and medium scale industries that are in the majority and are under the average of N57.72 million bracket,” the data said.

MAN said apart from the huge cost of providing electricity, there were complaints by companies of paying for electricity that are not supplied by the distribution companies, as bills are given to consumers (the companies) for payment on monthly basis without light.

ODINAKA ANUDU