Rio de Janeiro, 1 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Electric energy rationing - which remained in effect from June 4, 2001, until yesterday, February 28 - affected the production of 46% of the industries of Rio de Janeiro, according to a survey carried out by the Energy Council of the Rio de Janeiro Federation of industries (FIRJAN) among 160 small, medium, and large-sized companies of the state.

Of the companies affected, 53% declared that they faced greater difficulties only in the beginning of the rationing program, while 47% said they had problems throughout the period. Production was affected, on average, in 15%.

Among the industries whose production was affected, 65% said that they were more affected by other factors - such as the high tax load, external crises and problems with raw materials - than with the reduction of energy consumption. Of these industries, 50% mentioned the interest rate as the main negative factor, while 44% cited the currency exchange rate. (MW)