Facing sustained government pressure and the threat of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) being invoked, American power giant AES Corporation on Thursday resumed operations at the second unit of the 410 MW IB thermal power station, ending a week-long crisis. Generation from the unit had been suspended since May 17, following a stand-off between Orissa Power Generation Corporation (OPGC), a joint venture of AES Corporation and the Orissa Government, and Grid Corporation of Orissa (GRIDCO) over outstanding dues.