ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power, Omar Ayub has urged on a delegation of Sindh Assembly members to extend cooperation with Discos sans political affiliations so that people of Sindh are ensured uninterrupted power supply. He was talking to the delegation of Members of Provincial Assembly (MPAs) headed by leader of the Opposition Syed Firdous Shamim Naqvi who held a meeting with the Minister and top officials of the Ministry.
A detail briefing was given to the MPAs about Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) and Sukkur Electric Supply Companies (Sepco) in the meeting. An official statement issued by the Power Division, the members were apprised that both companies owed outstanding against private consumer and Sindh government.
Hesco and Sepco owed Rs89.90 billion and Rs130 billion outstanding respectively against the private consumers and provincial government resulting grave financial situation in both the companies. The members were told that the line losses of Hesco and Sepco stood at 50.2 percent and 63.8 percent respectively due to power pilferage and non-payment of outstanding bills.
Similarly, recovery from private consumers was recorded as 70 percent in HESCO and 56.8 percent in SEPCO, the statement further said. The Minster was informed that there were also wrong and over billings issues in both the companies. The delegation was informed that the Power Division would launch targeted operation in both the companies for accurate billing which could result increase in losses. However, it would have positive results.
The delegation was further informed that that MD Pepco and his teams would also hold open katcheries in both companies to address the consumers' complaints. Efforts were being made to provide special package to industrial units in order to increase not only power revenue but also create employment opportunities.
The members of delegation included Saira Imran, Rabia Azfar, Syed Imran Ali Shah, Bilal Ghaffar and Riaz Haider. Informed sources told Business Recorder that electricity shortfall and other issues in Karachi also came under discussion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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