Govt to take strict action against electricity thieves: PM

 

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq Kakar has directed to take strict action against those involved in electricity theft, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

A review meeting of the power sector was held in Islamabad on Monday under the chairmanship of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Power Muhammad Ali, Adviser to Prime Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, and other officials.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on the electricity sector. The meeting was told about the overall production capacity of electricity, production and delivery throughout the year, and the energy mix used for it.

The meeting was also briefed on the losses of the electricity system across the country and the amount not received. Apart from this, the data regarding losses and power theft in the distribution companies across the country were also presented.

The Prime Minister directed that immediate action should be initiated against the elements stealing electricity and a report on the progress should be submitted on a daily basis.

 He said that immediate action should be initiated against the defaulters of electricity dues in collaboration with the provinces and law enforcement agencies.

“No exception should be taken in the action against electricity defaulters and electricity thieves,” he added.  

The Prime Minister was informed about the installed capacity of electricity in the country, the actual generation, and the overall delivery of electricity in different seasons.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister was also given a detailed briefing regarding the use of different sources (Energy mix) in the production of electricity.

On the occasion, PM Kakar also acknowledged the importance of renewable and hydel sources. He said cheap sources should be prioritized in future power generation plans of the country.

“For small hydel projects, feasibilities should be prepared and submitted under the guidance of experts,” he advised, adding that such projects will not only generate low-cost electricity but also help in reducing the harmful effects of climate change.

Prime Minister Anwar also urged that effective measures should be taken to reduce the losses of distribution companies.

He continued that a comprehensive plan should be presented for the implementation of the transformer metering project.

“Work on the construction of 2400 MW solar power projects should be started as soon as possible and transparency should be ensured in the entire process,” the PM hinted.

The caretaker Prime Minister said local coal should be preferred instead of expensive imported coal in coal power generation projects.

The government will take all possible steps to reduce the revolving debt of the power sector,” Kakar added.

He said that the establishment of the energy market will effectively increase the capacity and efficiency of the electricity sector, which will benefit 27 million domestic consumers.

In this regard, most of the operations of the Power Division have been completed, he added.

 

Reporter: Awais Kayani