ISLAMABAD: Treasury Senator Nauman Wazir Khattak Monday opposed the government's criteria for privatisation of Distribution Companies, saying that privatisation is not the solution to the problem.
He made these remarks at a meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Power, which met with Senator Mirza Afridi, in the absence of its Chairman Fida Muhammad, in the chair.
Senator Nauman Wazir Khattak who understands the power sector far better than his colleagues stated that Nepra allows different targets of losses to different companies, adding that loss targets for some Discos are higher and for some are lower. He opposed current privatisation strategy of his government.
"Privatisation is not a solution to the problem. When losses in Iesco are 6 per cent then why is it being privatized," he questioned.
Senator Khattak was of the view that measures should be taken to reduce losses of Discos instead of being privatized.
The committee was briefed on temporary electricity connections by Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco). The Committee members took serious notice of the brevity of the response and demanded more details. The Committee was informed that such connections were permitted only after complete payment of Demand Notice for an initial period of six months which is extendable. The Committee directed Fesco to provide details of how many connections transitioned from temporary to permanent and after how much time. The Committee was informed that permanent connections are only awarded on demand of the consumer. Tariff rates for temporary connections are higher.
Discussing Fesco's policy related to posting of LS-1, the Committee was informed that there were no set rules. However, preference is given to those with relevant qualification. The Committee took up a case of a particular employee and pointed out that details provided by Fesco were tainted. The Committee asserted that the company must provide complete posting details to the Committee.
Regarding non-provision of electricity connections in certain areas of electrified housing societies that were approved earlier the Committee was informed that Iesco provides electricity connections to CDA approved societies after provision of a host of documents. Committee members asserted that CEO Iesco must consult with all concerned departments so that loopholes may be plugged.
The committee adopted three reports on various matters that were referred by the House and disposed off in the Committee's last meeting held on 8th February, 2021.
Beside others the meeting was attended by Senator Molvi Faiz Muhammad, Senator Dr Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi, Senator Moula Bux Chandio and Senator Muhammad Akram.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021
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