No loadshedding after one year, promises Minister
By Fakhar Alam

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Wednesday said the government has prepared comprehensive plan to overcome loadshedding problem in the country within one year. He was addressing a press conference alongwith Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman here to inform the decisions of special cabinet meeting held here on power situation in the country chaired by the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The minister said earlier the government had planned to resolve loadshedding problem in three years however the cabinet has decided to handle the situation within one year.
Pervaiz Ashraf said “After one year, there will be no loadshedding in the country as the government is taking sincere steps in this regard following the direction of the Prime Minister.”
Besides, the minister said the cabinet has also decided to include 1,200 MW thermal power in the system within 12 to 18 months through competitive bidding to be initiated in a transparent manner on tariff fixed by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
He said international bidders will be invited to join the process to be started by May 20 through an advertisement which will be supervised by Secretary Water and Power, Chairman NEPRA and representatives of media.
He said the government will encourage private sector to invest in power sector to overcome the power crises and to facilitate the electricity customers.
He said the special meeting of the cabinet has decided that experts and concerned stakeholders will be involved in the planning to overcome power shortage problem in the country by implementing their inputs.
He said the country is facing 4,000 MW power shortfall due to shortage in power generation and low level of water in the dams. He added presently power generation is almost half than the last year.
The minister said 500 MW will also be saved by implementing energy conservation plan under which in coming 90 days from first of this July all shopping plaza owners will be asked to remain close their shops after 9:00pm. Similarly, WAPDA will not supply power to billboards using electric lights besides saving through management of street lights. He said shopkeepers will be encouraged to remain close their shops on Friday instead of Sunday. He said the government with the support of World Bank will purchase one million international standard energy saver bulbs from reputed firms to promote culture of installing such bulbs in the country.
The minister said the cabinet has decided to stop use of air conditioners during 8:00am to 11:00am in Prime Minister House, Secretariat and other government offices. He said a committee has been constituted to resolve the financial problems of the Ministry of Water and Power particularly regarding outstanding amounts due on provinces and departments. He said total outstanding amount on various departments is Rs. 207 billion.
He said a task force has been set up to control line losses. He added those officials who will involve in such losses will face action while reward will be announced for those who will contribute to reduce line losses.