Underscoring the need to increase electricity generation capacity of the country, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday directed all the concerned agencies, including Water and Power Ministry, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to closely co-ordinate to implement, on fast track.
The recently approved strategy by the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) to streamline power generation projects in the country. According to a press release, the prime minister was chairing a meeting on Friday evening to review steps being taken to increase electricity generation capacity.
The prime minister said under the three-pronged approach approved by the ECC, the existing independent Power Producers (IPPs) will be invited to propose maximum expansion of existing capacities for power generation on competitive prices.
The existing entrepreneurs with proven successful track record of investment in Pakistan would also be invited to submit projects for green field projects on the basis of upfront tariffs to be determined by Nepra and projects for which feasibility has been undertaken would be offered on international competitive bidding. The prime minister said the new strategy of the government would facilitate the investors and expedite power generation programme being implemented under Roshan Pakistan.
The government is committed to provide electricity to all the villages on the grid by December 2007. The new strategy will contribute to the achievement of this commitment, the prime minister added.
He said the government is focusing on promoting gas fired electricity based on isolated and non-pipeline quality gas as it is less costly, environment-friendly and would reduce the quantum of furnace oil import. Water and Power secretary, Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB) managing director, OGDCL managing director and senior officials attended the meeting.
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