Tas heavy industry back to full power

Tasmania's heavy industry businesses have been given a green light to return to full power with recent heavy rains filling the state's hydro-electric dams, relieving an energy supply crisis.

With little rain and an inoperable Bass Strait electricity cable putting a squeeze on supply, the island's government had been forced to bring in back-up diesel generators, but on Thursday Energy Minister Matthew Groom said the situation had improved as he lifted restrictions which had been imposed on select businesses.

"They reduced power consumption, which took some of the strain off the system over the summer months, while also protecting the jobs of their employees," the minister said, expressing thanks for the cooperation.