Hot summer: Prices of UPS batteries on the rise

ISLAMABAD: Batteries for uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems are being sold at higher rates in the twin cities in the wake of surging demand due to frequent power cuts. A UPS dealer said that demand for locally-made UPS batteries has almost doubled, while demand for Chinese-made UPS batteries was declining due to higher costs. During a visit to city markets, a majority of wholesalers and retailers said that demand for backup power supply units has increased, since people were anticipating power outages this summer. Hashim Khan, a battery shop owner in Aabpara, said demand for batteries is so high that he has to order a full container every week. A locally-manufactured UPS of 1000KV can sell for as little as Rs15,000 or as much as Rs25,000. On the other hand, many people have also started opting for generators as UPS systems fail to provide relief during extended periods without power.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2014.