Water and Power Minister Naveed Qamar on Tuesday said the government would be introducing a new set of reforms for the energy sector over the next month in two stages to resolve the energy crisis, according to Aaj News. Addressing a press conference along with Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain, Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan and Finance Minister Dr Hafeez Shaikh, Naveed said the power shortfall had crossed 12000MW, which had been slashed to the 9000MW level.
He said the crisis was considerably resolved after the government released funds for a fuel switch for the power generating companies. He added that currently, the country's dependable generative capacity will be taken to 14000MW. He said the government was ensuring supply to power generation companies (Gencos) and clearing outstanding dues. Naveed clarified that as per directives there were no more 'sacred cows' and any one, be it the prime minister or the president, their power would be cut off for non-payment.
Naveed said the government had felt the need for reform in the energy sector and hence released executables to that effect, some of which will be implemented in 2 days. Naveed said that the government had decided to appoint professional heads at all Discos while all Gencos would have high-powered boards.
Qamar said that a new system would be introduced for bill collection and the old format of "business as usual" will be done away with. Qamar said that neither any IPP had been closed due to cut in fuel supplies, nor plants in Karachi shut due to non-payment of dues. Moreover, he said Sindh had cleared all the power bills. He criticised the Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz government over the recent riots.
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