ISLAMABAD - The meeting of CCI’s Committee on Equitable Distribution of Electricity was held here today under the Chairmanship of Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister for Water and Power and the provinces in principle has agreed to a proposal to invest in mega hydel power projects.
The Committee was attended by Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan. Additional Secretary, FATA Secretariat, Peshawar also attended the meeting. Among others, the meeting was attended by the Secretary Water & Power, Special Secretary Water & Power, Chairman Energy Management Cell, Ministry of Water & Power, MD NTDC/CEO Genco Holding Company, Member Power WAPDA, MD PPIB, CEO AEDB and MD Thar Coal Energy Development Board.
There was a consensus in the meeting between the federal government and the provinces that the energy crisis was a national crisis and could be resolved only with the joint efforts of the Federal and Provincial governments.
The provinces in principle agreed to a proposal to invest in the mega hydel power generation projects. It was also agreed in principle by the provinces on a proposal that a percentage would be allocated from the development budget by the provinces for hydel, alternative and coal power projects.
The provinces informed the meeting that police force headed by DSP will be deputed in the Discos headquarters to help in any matter and to file cases against power theft under the respective company’s jurisdiction. The meeting was also informed regarding arrangement with KESC for priority utilisation of 300 MW of idle generation capacity. The meeting was informed that KESC has been asked to ensure generation from all of its plants. The meeting was also given briefing on possible management of distribution companies (DISCOs) by provincial governments, Enforcement of Draft Electricity Act, 2012, Participation of provinces in Thar Coal development, Conversion of street lights to solar mode and National Energy Conservation Bill.
The Minister for Water and Power Ch Ahmed Mukhtar appreciated the provinces cooperation and suggestions to resolve this national crisis and stated that the crisis would be resolved soon with their support.