Islamabad, October 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):Senator Saifullah Abro expressed displeasure over the absence of Minister and Secretary، Power Division and stressed that both should ensure their presence in the next meeting. He also summoned the K-Electric CEO in next meeting.
The senate body was briefed about the implementation status of recommendations made by the committee in the previous meetings held on 2nd and 19th August 2022 respectively. However, as to matter regarding the inquiry against Tariq Bajari, retired Chief Engineer HESCO, and Senator Saifullah Abro directed that inquiry report be presented before Committee.
In the previous meeting, the Chair also recommended that Board of Directors (BoDs) of all GENCOs shall be dissolved. Officials of Power Division informed that ministry is planning to implement the scheme of 2012 under which all GENCOs will be merged and managed by one CEO and Board of Directors.
Moreover, the senate body was also apprised about the expenditure of different BoDs for attending meetings and other expenses incurred in this regard. Arshad Majeed, Additionally Secretary Power Division, told that members of BoDs are awarded Rs.60k per meeting plus Rs.25k in lieu of hotel expenses per night. Muhammad Ayub, CEO GEPCO, apprised that they have reduced the allowance of BoDs for attending the board meeting from Rs.60k to 35k. Senator Saifullah Abro appreciated the CEO’s initiative and recommended that all other DISCO’s should do the same.
On the matter regarding month wise increase and decrease in electricity bills in lieu of Fuel Adjustment Charges (FCA) raised by Senator Kamran Murtaza. Chairman NEPRA, told the committee that out of total electricity generated in the country 65 p.c is produced by coal and 35 p.c through hydel, however, in recent few months the price of coal has increased internationally from 50 dollar to 400 dollars. As of right now, Consumers have been charged Rs.24 per unit and the price would have been doubled without generation of hydro power. He added. He further maintained that circular debt on Power Sector has reached up to Rs. 2500 Billion.
Furthermore, the committee discussed the public petition regarding the rehabilitation and energizing of Grid Station at coastal town of Garho, Sindh. Officials of HESCO stated that the aforementioned project is under HESCO five year plan and it will cost around Rs. 3.5 Billion. They further added that the petitioner Dr. Ghulam Haider Shah, resident of Thatta, plans to sell solar energy to residents of the area and demanded a construction of 30km transmission line from HESCO. Senator Saifullah Abro maintained that the said project is not feasible and decided to inform him about committee’s decision in writing.
Senator Saifullah Abro also raised objections on the appointment of Sardar Jamal Khan Leghari as Chairman of BoDs of MEPCO. He claimed that besides being the son of former President of Pakistan, what qualifications this person has. He recommended ministry to provide details of membership with SECP of all newly appointed BoDs of different DISCO’s.
Meeting was attended by Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Danesh Kumar, Additional Secretary Power Division Arshad Majeed, Chairman NEPRA Tauseef H. Faroqi, CEO, s of different DISCOs and other concerned officers were also in attendance.
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