ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant authorities to further reduce electricity rates for consumers and expedite the implementation of future electricity generation strategy.
He made the remarks while chairing a meeting to evaluate and discuss the future electricity and power plans of country in Islamabad on Friday, Radio Pakistan reported.
The primer said only low-cost electricity projects should be prioritised in future. He added that local resources should be given priority for power generation.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of ongoing hydropower projects across the country.
Shehbaz Sharif said hydropower projects are low-cost sources of electricity that provide environment-friendly and affordable electricity to consumers.
He said the existing power generation should also be converted to solar energy. He said Pakistan is fortunate to have vast potential for solar energy.
Shehbaz Sharif was also apprised on the progress regarding the closure of inefficient power plants that produce less electricity with more fuel.
He ordered immediate shutting down of outdated power plants that produce less electricity with more fuel. He added the closure of such power plants will not only save valuable foreign exchange, spent on fuel imports, but also reduce the cost of electricity for consumers.
He instructed to take immediate action against all officers who are deliberately trying to hinder reforms in the power sector.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of ongoing reforms in the power transmission system and directed that it be modernised to meet international standards.
He also instructed the swift adoption of a modern technology-based system for selecting and transmitting low-cost electricity based on production costs.
The meeting was briefed on new proposed projects, progress on ongoing projects, and the reforms in the power sector.
It was also informed about the current demand and supply of electricity as well as dissolution of power plants running on imported fuel and the progress of reforms in the transmission system.
The Prime Minister directed to complete all measures for power sector reforms within the stipulated time.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahad Cheema, Awais Leghari, Dr Musadik Malik, Minister of State Ali Pervaiz Malik and other senior officials, the APP news agency reported.
Today’s meeting came after the federal government on Tuesday approved settlement agreements with eight independent power producers (IPPs) running on bagasse, aiming to reduce electricity tariffs and save around Rs240 billion for the national exchequer.
The Prime Minister’s Office had said in a press release the agreements were expected to reduce electricity prices for consumers and provide an estimated Rs238bn relief to the exchequer.
