Five power projects of 1200 MW to be completed next year
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Minister for Water and Power, Tariq Hamid has said construction of five thermal power projects of 1200 MW capacity will be completed in 2008-09.
He said this during a visit to the site of under construction plant of Attock Gen. Limited alongwith representatives of Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB). The minister expressed the hope that after January 15 the power situation would become better as water to Punjab and Sindh would be released and gas supply to the power plant, would be increased which would generate more electricity enabling WAPDA to avert the load-management in the country.
He appreciated the efforts made by Attock Gen. Limited in developing project in private sector which is scheduled to be commissioned in October 2008.
Adil Khattak, Chief Executive, Attock Gen Limited assured the minister for the timely completion of the project to meet the forthcoming power shortage.
Chief Executive ARL made a brief presentation highlighting the salient features of the project. The project has a capacity of 156 MW for which all agreements have been concluded. The Project achieved the financial close on September 25 last.
The Project at a total cost of US$ 148.6 million is being financed through equity of 29.72 M$ and loan from the local banks for the tune of $118,88 million, he informed.
The Chief Executive apprised the Minister that the project will get uninterrupted fuel supply from Attock Refinery through a dedicated pipeline, it is the first IPP in North Lahore and it will increase the reliability in IESCO area, he added.
Attock Gen. Limited's 156 MW project is one of those plants which is scheduled to be commissioned in October 2008 and other four plants will be commissioned in further months to add additional power of 1200 MW in the National Grid System of WAPDA to provide benefit to the consumers.
Earlier, the minister visiting the project site witnessed that most of the foundation work has been completed and installation equipment will start shortly.
He appreciated that the project is being constructed in well organized manner and desired that the project be completed as per schedule.