250MW being saved daily by advancing clock: Ashraf

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Tuesday said that 250-mega watt electricity was being saved daily by advancing the official clock one hour.
The Ministry of Water and Power had successfully saved about 500MW through the austerity drive that included the advancing of clocks, minimum use of air-conditioners in offices and closure of markets early in the evening, he told media at Parliament.
However, he said the country was facing a shortfall of 1,544MW but measures were being taken to bridge the gap between demand and supply to ensure there would be no loadshedding from Dec 2009. He said the govt was exploring alternate power generation projects and inauguration of windmill project by PM Gilani was part of the efforts.
He said another windmill project would also be executed in Kahar on Wednesday (tomorrow).
Raja Pervaiz said there was a shortfall of 2,708MW last year, which has reduced to 1,544MW.
To a question, he said NEPRA fixes the prices of electricity and ministry has nothing to do with recent increase in electricity prices. However, he said the govt was still paying Rs65 billion subsidy on electricity.