The former PM Nawaz Sharif lamented the caretaker setup terming it responsible for load shedding. That is one thing this caretaker government is not. Talking of responsibility – the outgoing government is every bit responsible for the present state of the power sector – it cannot just take the credits and disown the shortcomings. The responsibility of five years cannot be shifted to someone with five days in the office.
Recall that it was just the last week when the then government proudly shared screenshots of Pakistan’s power generation crossing 20000 MW, claiming it to be a first. And the tone was set to blame the caretakers should there be load shedding after May 31, 2018 (Read: Generation at 20000 MW – again). That was not a first, and power generation of 20000 MW did not mean that bit was transmitted as well.
Now with the load shedding back in action, some are wondering where all those megawatts vanished all of a sudden. Firstly, the massive fluctuation this time around ion account of hydel based generation has meant added pressure on thermal generation, which cannot always keep up pace with the demand. Furthermore, having a dependable capacity of nearly 30000 MW does not necessarily mean, all of it could be generated, - as multiple factors come into play, such as finances, fuel availability, merit order and plant efficiencies.
What those wondering conveniently tend to ignore the most important factor that of the ailing state of power transmission and distribution networks? It has been so repeatedly said, that it now almost sounds boring, that without an updated transmission and distribution network, eradicating load shedding would remain a pipedream.
But improving a distribution company, or revamping a transmission line, does not sound as front page as inaugurating a power plant – be it on imported coal, thousands miles away from the port.
Expecting the caretakers to bring about any radical change in the entire power chain is unfair and unrealistic.
The caretakers would do well to remain switched on, as the mercury goes up, because comparisons will be made, and higher load shedding than previous comparable period, could lead to blame games and be used for political mileage.
The interim set up would be best advised to stay distanced from announcing or inking mega regional energy deals. Decisions such as having a gas pipeline with Russia, as reported in the press, would be best left for the upcoming elected representatives.
The upcoming government may or may not be a huge fan of imported fuel all over. Surely, someone out there still must have some belief in indigenous resources too.
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