Another day off - old wine, older bottle

The government has pulled the same trick from its old hat as the federal cabinet has decided to revert to five-day workweek, to fight the energy crisis. Federal Minster for Water and Power, Naveed Qamar, had earlier hinted the government would work on war-footing to deal with the energy crisis. It turns out that the secret weapon in the war on loadshedding is another day of leisure. There is no denying that energy conservation is part of the package that is needed to deal with the menace. But taking the familiar route of having another day off that has failed on at least two previous occasions may not be the wisest solution on offer.The idea revolves around saving 1,000MW of electricity by working one fewer day in government offices and industries. While, the closure of government offices may not be a huge blow to the economy or the society in general, closure of industrial production will certainly be one. Another option is that of early market closure that, undoubtedly, irks shop owners. Getting the markets to drop shutters as early as 8 pm sounds great but did not work in the past as shopping in late hours appears to be deeply entrenched in contemporary culture, especially in urban centres. So, it comes as little surprise that industrialists and market associations have been unanimous in their condemnation of this measure. Spare a thought for the government too, which faces the tough task of balancing the gaping chasm between demand and supply. Unfortunately, its emphasis seems tilted towards demand-side management rather than the supply side, which will only provide a relief, if at all, for a brief period, only for the problem to resurrect shortly afterwards. Just as injecting billions of rupees to temporarily wipe away the circular debt will provide breathing space for a few months - forcing an extra holiday and early market closures will also only bring fleeting relief. And it is not like there are no better options available for dealing with the power crisis. Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its assessment report on the rental power plants had singled out a better demand management option that unfortunately never got the required attention. The ADB had recommended the distribution of CFL bulbs through the country, which could have resulted in saving 1,280MW - much more than what is intended to be saved through the extra day of leisure; and at a much reduced opportunity cost. That option, if exercised would have avoided the ire of industries, businesses and the general public as well. The CFL project hit snags and seems nowhere in the bag of tricks that the government boasts to have to deal with the power crisis. With the winters approaching, reduced demand will make it easier for the government to claim victory, but the realty will soon emerge once the demand rises as spring arrives. The practical implementation of the proposal lies with the provinces - and it appears that at least two of the provinces are not too keen to reintroduce the plan that has been "weighed, measured and found wanting". Perhaps policymakers will use the extra day off to mull over better options such as the CFL bulbs. One hopes better sense will prevail soon.