Pakistan aims to save $2.7 billion by shifting diesel tube wells to solar power

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting today to discuss the solarisation of agricultural tube wells and initiatives to curb electricity theft across the country.

Highlighting solar energy as the most cost-effective means of electricity generation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting solar energy in the energy sector. “Following Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will collaborate with provincial governments to ensure the happiness of farmers by transitioning agricultural tube wells to solar energy,” said the Prime Minister.

Directive was issued to consult provincial governments regarding the comprehensive implementation plan for the solarisation of agricultural tube wells. Furthermore, the Prime Minister instructed to enhance measures against electricity theft, emphasising the need for a comprehensive strategy to improve existing initiatives.

The Prime Minister appreciated the cooperation of provincial governments with the Ministry of Energy in combating electricity theft. He directed the introduction of a smart metering system nationwide and instructed each distribution company in the four provinces to model smart metering systems

Regarding electricity billing, the Prime Minister categorically stated that overbilling would not be tolerated. He was briefed on ongoing efforts to convert diesel-powered agricultural tube wells to environmentally friendly solar energy, potentially saving $2.7 billion in foreign exchange.

According to the briefing, from September 2023 to date, 84,366 individuals have been arrested nationwide in the campaign against electricity theft, with 174,562 FIRs filed and 456 employees of distribution companies dismissed. Additionally, 421,460 cases have been filed.

Recent developments include the installation of 1,113 new meters and the removal of approximately 12,000 connections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Power Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Masood Malik, Minister of State for Treasury and Revenue Ali Parvez Malik (via video link), Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Aziz (via video link), and senior government officials attended the meeting. Chief Secretaries of all four provinces also participated via video link.

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