Islamabad, October 13, 2022 (PPI-OT):Chairman Committee, Senator Saifullah Abro chaired the meeting; that was attended by Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Fida Muhammad, Senator Prince Ahmed Umar Ahmedzai, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada and senior officers of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), NEPRA along with all concerned.
The Committee was briefed regarding implementation status of recommendations made by the Committee in previous meetings. It also was briefed in detail regarding appointment procedures and expenditures regarding BODs. All resumes’ were reviewed in detail. The Committee was also briefed regarding total generation and consumption of electricity in Balochistan. The matter of illegal connections was discussed as well.
The matter of constitution of BoDs of Distribution Companies (DISCOs) is governed under the Companies Act, 2017 and the Public Sector (Corporate Governance Rules), 2013. The Committee was informed that under these rules, the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) recently reconstituted BoDs of four DISCOs (MEPCO, GEPCO, SEPCO and HESCO) after approval from the Federal Cabinet. The Committee reviewed in detail appointment procedures and expenditures regarding BODs; as well as minutely scrutinized resumes’ of BoD members.
The Committee showed severe concern regarding the appointment criteria of BoD members and constituted a sub-Committee to review the matter in detail. Conflict of interest, in case of many members was observed. It was asserted that strict action against officers involved in the selection process must be taken. The Committee directed the Ministry that reconstitution of all BoDs must be pended until this enquiry is completed.
While discussing total generation and consumption of electricity in Balochistan, the Committee enquired details of illegal connections and the process of recovery in battle hardened areas of the province. The Committee was informed of the number of illegal tube well in these areas and QESCO demand and drawl.
It was known that 1500 MW was the average demand and 870 MW was average shortfall of the connections. It was observed that 33 percent Load Factor compensation of tube wells resulted in 1500 MW demand. The matter has been taken up by the newly constituted sub-Committee. Discussing the matter of promotions of XEN in PESCO, the Committee was informed that according to rules, promotions can only be awarded on preordained seats. An internal inquiry will be conducted in this regard and the matter will be discussed minutely in the next meeting.
For more information, contact:
Senate of Pakistan
H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9204564534
Fax: +92-51-9205703
E-mail: senate@comsats.net.pk
Website: www.senate.gov.pk