Islamabad, February 27, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Standing Committee on Energy (Power Division) has asked the Power Division to work out a mechanism to bring load shedding at micro level instead of shutting down entire feeders. The Committee also asked the Ministry to submit a draft of changes to be brought into Electricity Act, 1910 to avert damages caused due to high tension transmission line passing over inhabited areas.
The Committee met under the Chairmanship of Sardar Riaz Mehmood Khan Mazari, MNA in Parliament House, and this afternoon. The Committee approved the Public Sector Development Program proposals of the Power Division for the year 2023-24. The Committee approved 81 ongoing and 21 new PSDP proposals worth Rs. 298.44 billion.
The Committee was apprised that the foreign component would be Rs.176.58 whereas Rs.72.46 billion and 49.40 billion would be the local and GOP competent, respectively. The Committee was further apprised that Rs. 41.80 billion were being demanded for two 660MW coal fired power projects at Jamshoro, Rs.52.63 billion for 38 projects of distribution companies projects whereas the rest of the money demanded would go for 62 projects of NTDC and a single project of PPIB.
The Committee while discussing the progress on village electrification schemes under SDGs achievement plan, directed Chief Executive Officers of the DISCOs to ensure completion of work on all schemes within stipulated timelines. The Committee was apprised by the CEOs of HESCO and SEPCO that due to floods in Sindh, most of the land was still inundated; therefore the work cannot be initiated.
The Minister for Power apprised the Committee that due to addition of generation from Thar coal in the national grid, the country would face less load shedding in coming summers. He said that encouraging people to shifting to renewable energy was top priority of the government. He said that his ministry was working on proposals to encourage investment in solar energy at micro as well as macro levels.
Replying to the issue of load shedding on feeders with less recovery of electricity dues, the Secretary Power Division apprised the Committee that Preparation of PC-1 to bring the load shedding at micro level was underway. He informed that due to non-payment of electricity bills the distribution companies were forced to shut down power supply to those feeders.
While discussing the question referred to the Committee regarding violation while lying high tension transmission line, the Committee asked ministry to work on amendments in the Electricity Act, 1910.
The Mover apprised the Committee that various instances had been reported causing damage to human life, livestock and property due to high tension lines passing over inhabited areas. The mover also sought details of loss caused to life and property and compensation awarded in that regard.
The Secretary Power apprised the Committee that DISCOs and NTDC always comply with regulations while lying transmission lines however in the instance issue, provincial and local authorities fail to get the town planning regulations complied with. He said that proliferation of housing schemes without proper NOCs and safeguards was the major cause behind that.
The Committee meeting was attended by Members of the Committee, Mover of a Matter referred to the Committee by the House, Secretary Power Division and other senior officers of the Ministry and Distribution Companies attended the meeting.
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