PM for uninterrupted power supply at Sehr, Iftar

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has desired uninterrupted supply of electricity at Sehr and Iftar timings during the holy month of Ramazan and directed Power Division to make all existing units of power plants functional to make this happen. The meeting of Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE), presided over by the Prime Minister, on Tuesday discussed issues pertaining to power sector, which are not allowing full generation of power by the existing power plants.
The Prime Minister directed distribution companies (DISCOs) to take effective measures in order to reduce line losses and improve recoveries of the power dues. The meeting reviewed load management plan for the coming months, especially during the month of Ramazan, and was informed about the implementation of payment to the IPPs.
An official said that Rs 54 billion have been released to the power sector and IPPs, and another Rs 27 billion will also be released soon to address the circular debt issue and increase power generation for the remaining months of the current fiscal year.
The meeting was also expected to take up the proposal of minister of power for revival of PEPCO and fund for import of oil for power generation. A participant of the meeting, however, stated that the CCoE has not taken any decision with regard to revival of PEPCO and funds required for import and supply of oil to power plants.
He said the meeting discussed the reforms agenda and gaps in recoveries of power sector which are piling up circular debt. Discussing reform agenda in the power sector, the CCoE emphasized upon the need for early completion of need-assessment for procuring quality human resource and streamlining of the recruitment process in the Ministry of Energy so as to ensure timely recruitment of the required human resource.
Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue & Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail, Special Advisor to Prime Minister Ali Jahangir Siddiqui and senior officials of concerned ministries and departments were present during the meeting.