PM directs to reduce electricity rates for consumers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to further reduce electricity rates for consumers and expedite the implementation of future electricity generation strategy.

Chairing a meeting to evaluate and discuss the future electricity and power plans of country in Islamabad today, the prime minster said only low-cost electricity projects should be prioritized in future.

According to Radio Pakistan, he added that local resources should be given priority for power generation.

The prime minister was apprised on the progress of ongoing hydropower projects across the country.

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Shehbaz Sharif said that hydropower projects are low-cost sources of electricity that provide environment-friendly and affordable electricity to consumers. He said the existing power generation should also be converted to solar energy as environment-friendly and low-cost solar energy is being used to generate electricity worldwide. He said Pakistan is fortunate to have vast potential for solar energy.

The PM Shehbaz was also updated on the progress regarding the closure of inefficient power plants that produce less electricity with more fuel.

He directed an immediate shutting down of outdated power plants that produce less electricity with more fuel. He said the closure of such power plants will not only save valuable foreign exchange, spent on fuel imports, but also reduce the cost of electricity for consumers.

PM Shebaz instructed to take immediate action against all officers who are deliberately trying to hinder reforms in the power sector.

Besides, the prime minister called for expediting implementation of the ongoing reforms in the power transmission system. He instructed to modernize the power transmission system as per international standards.

He directed to ensure implementing modern technology system upon selecting and facilitating low-cost electricity by keeping production cost in view. This must be done at earliest, he emphasised.

The meeting was also briefed on new proposed projects and progress on ongoing projects, along with reforms in the power sector.

It was also informed about the current demand and supply of electricity as well as dissolution of power plants running on imported fuel and the progress of reforms in the transmission system.

The prime minister urged to complete all the relevant measures for power sector reforms within the stipulated time.