Govt working to control power theft, line losses for uninterrupted electricity supply: Omar Ayub

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan Tuesday said that the government was working to control power theft, line losses as well as re-hauling transmission and distribution system to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers.

Presiding over 121st meeting of Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), he said sustainability in the system was only possible by bringing transparency in power system, induction of indigenous and renewable energy and introduction of new technology in transmission and distribution systems.

He said we require a portfolio of electricity supply resources, that can also be dynamically orchestrated to deliver electricity where and when it is needed at an affordable price, said a press release issued here.

Managing Director PPIB, Shah Jahan Mirza briefed the Board on implementation status of the portfolio of power generation and transmission line projects currently being processed by PPIB.

The Board gave necessary approvals aiming to facilitate project sponsors for implementing their projects in a smooth and speedy way.

Keeping in view the importance of much needed +660kV HVDC Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line Project which is specifically designed to provide power evacuation for Thar coal based power projects, the Board agreed to allow extension in Letter of Support for achieving Financial Close considering the merits that it is the first HVDC and first private sector project under CPEC which has achieved substantial progress and such extension would not compromise the completion date of the project which is March 2021.

Similarly, the Board allowed extension in Letter of Interest to 300 MW imported coal based power project being established at Gwadar to enable sponsors to obtain tariff from NEPRA and Letter of Support from PPIB leading to Financial Close and construction start of the project which will supply much needed electricity to Gwadar to promote business for newly developed port, boost socio-economic activities and start the Special Economic Zones and Export Processing Zones in the Gwadar area of Balochistan.

These activities will create employment opportunities and develop social facilities under Corporate Social Responsibility.