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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Power challenges: 8,000-10,000MW to be added, says Sher Ali</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1013013/power-challenges-8000-10000mw-to-be-added-says-sher-ali</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1013013/power-challenges-8000-10000mw-to-be-added-says-sher-ali#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Dec 15 21:06:12 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[imran.rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1013013</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Minister of state says electricity will be injected by March 2018]]>
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				<![CDATA[Two major transmission line projects are ready for implementation while 8,000-10,000MW of electricity will be injected in the national grid by March 2018, said Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali, while addressing a meeting at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI).

“With effective management, honesty, transparency and administrative efforts, the incidents of power theft have been reduced to a minimum. It has also helped in the elimination of load-shedding, particularly for the industrial sector,” he said.

Similarly, he said, industry mix feeders were also observing only four hours load-shedding as government was trying its best to provide electricity to the industrial sector on a priority basis.

“When the incumbent government took charge, electricity generation was dwindling at 13,500-14,000MW against the generation capacity of 18,500MW. We are committed to take the capacity to 16,900MW by coming July or August,” said Ali.

He said the prime minister was very keenly monitoring the power plants under-construction and was chairing two meetings weekly. “For the provision of cheap electricity we are also undertaking hydel projects, but they are not only time-consuming but also cost intensive,” he added.

Currently, he said, the government preferred constructing coal-fired plants which could generate comparatively cheaper electricity. “A tender for Matiari-Lahore transmission line has been floated and the PM is expected to inaugurate work on this project next month, a transmission line would also be laid from Port Qasim to Faisalabad. Moreover, we also have plans to lay a pipeline to carry LNG from Karachi to the proposed gas-fired power plants.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2015.

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			<title>Essential: LCCI lays stress on Kalabagh Dam’s completion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/974667/essential-lcci-lays-stress-on-kalabagh-dams-completion</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/974667/essential-lcci-lays-stress-on-kalabagh-dams-completion#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 15 18:42:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Chief asserts reservoir required to generate cheaper electricity]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Saturday stressed on the dire need to complete the Kalabagh Dam as swiftly as possible and requested the government to not fall under any pressure regarding the mega project.

The office bearers said that being an agrarian economy, Pakistan cannot afford to waste huge amounts of water resources which are fast depleting. “Shortage of water has not only caused undue damage to the agriculture sector but the manufacturing sector as well.”

LCCI President Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that the nation could not waste any more time therefore the government should pave way for the early construction of Kalabagh dam which is the only solution of water and electricity shortage.

Read: Power crisis to end after 2018 Nawaz

He said that the economy is based on the agriculture sector which cannot survive without sufficient water resources. “We are already suffering from a delay in the construction of Kalabagh dam; any further snag would hit us hard.”

According to Arshad, the Kalabagh Dam issue had been under heavy political scrutiny therefore a consensus seemed difficult, however, the government would have to take a decision.

The LCCI president said that the Kalabagh dam is the most suitable project for the national economy as it would not only produce cheap and sufficient electricity but would also avert the devastation caused by floods every year.

LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Haider said that Kalabagh dam would also help control poverty levels. “The dam is not only beneficial to Punjab alone but it would be more helpful in erasing poverty from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and it would irrigate 800,000 acres of cultivable land.”

Read: Power generation Irrigation dept directed to complete water channel

Haider said that the civil society would also have to play its role in creating a consensus as new water reservoirs would benefit every Pakistani.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18th, 2015.

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			<title>ADB expresses interest in funding upgrades for Pakistan's power distribution system</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/934667/adb-expresses-interest-in-funding-upgrades-for-pakistans-power-distribution-system</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/934667/adb-expresses-interest-in-funding-upgrades-for-pakistans-power-distribution-system#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 15 17:55:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=934667</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The bank says it is ready to help arrange finances for Pakistan Disaster Management Fund]]>
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				<![CDATA[Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Saturday expressed its willingness to finance the upgradation and strengthening of power transmission and distribution system in the country.

During a meeting with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, ADB Country Director Werner Liepach expressed his institution’s willingness to finance power projects in Pakistan next year.

While welcoming the ADB’s expression of interest in financing projects aimed at tackling the energy crisis in the country, Dar apprised Liepach on progress achieved by the Energy DPC-II project, adding that most of the prior actions in this regard have been completed by Pakistan.

ADB to help set up Pakistan Disaster Management Fund

Both sides agreed that in view of recurring natural calamities like floods, it was essential to have an arrangement to deal with emergent situations such as a Pakistan Disaster Management Fund (PDMF).  They also agreed to explore possibility of having a standby credit line to deal with such calamities.

Deliberating on the establishment of PDMF, which would be steered by ADB, Liepach said that the bank would help arrange finances for the fund from donors and development partners.

Read: IMF grants Pakistan two waivers on budget deficit

On this occasion, Dar informed the ADB country director about the recent conclusion of the eighth review by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Dubai.

IMF had on Friday agreed to waive requirements of lowering the budget deficit and borrowings from the central bank on Pakistan, two lynchpin conditions of the $6.2 billion loan programme. The move paves the way for the lender’s executive board to approve the next $502 million tranche of the bailout.]]>
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			<title>Dasu Hydropower Dam to be completed by 2020, NA told</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/932644/dasu-hydropower-dam-to-be-completed-by-2020-na-told</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/932644/dasu-hydropower-dam-to-be-completed-by-2020-na-told#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 15 10:23:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zahid.gishkori]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=932644</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mangla Power Station's power generation capacity to be increased from 1,000 to 1,310 MW]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that the Dasu Hydropower Project would be completed by December 2020.

Speaking on the floor of the assembly during the question hour session, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources Jam Kamal said that the 2,160 MW Dasu Hydropower project will be completed by December 2020, while the contract for the relocation of the Dasu-Karakoram Highway-01 and construction of a right bank access road has been awarded. The minster further said that the contract for the construction of 132 KV transmission line from Duber to Dasu has also been awarded.

Read: ECNEC approves Rs91b for seven mega projects

Responding to a question, Kamal said there are various projects under way to make hydropower houses more efficient. The minister revealed that an upgrade and refurbishment of the Mangla Power Station has been planned to increase the efficiency of turbines and reliability of Hydraulic equipment, following which the power generation capacity will increase from 1,000 to 1,310 MW. Similarly, upgrade and modernisation of the Warsak Hydroelectric Power Station will also help regain the capacity of 53 MW.

The minister also told the lower house that the Munda Dam Hydropower Project is in a detailed engineering design phase and would be completed in seven years.]]>
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			<title>Funds for power sector: Foreign assistance utilised at slow pace, only 23% used</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/927469/funds-for-power-sector-foreign-assistance-utilised-at-slow-pace-only-23-used</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/927469/funds-for-power-sector-foreign-assistance-utilised-at-slow-pace-only-23-used#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 15 02:44:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zafar.bhutta]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=927469</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ministries dealing with energy issues blamed for the low disbursement]]>
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				<![CDATA[Though funds were available for power companies to improve their performance and prevent the country from plunging into darkness, the ministries dealing with energy matters fared poorly as they utilised the money at a significantly slow pace.

This caused hurdles in the way of executing critical power projects designed to curb outages and also placed a burden of millions of rupees on national coffers in the shape of commitment charges on loans.

The disclosure was made in a meeting of the cabinet committee on energy on June 25. The responsibility of slow utilisation of foreign funds was put on the ministries concerned, late approval of project plans, delay in completion of bidding process, award of contract, issuance of letters of credit and opening of bank accounts by project authorities.

Read: Power generation: Performance of even efficient companies going down



Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Secretary Muhammad Saleem Sethi gave a presentation on foreign assistance for the power sector. According to him, the available development assistance portfolio totalled $27.86 billion for 185 projects as on May 31, 2015. Of this, only $9.143 billion (32.78%) was utilised whereas $18.722 billion (67.2%) remained undisbursed.

Foreign financing for the power sector as on May 31 stood at $15.157 billion, of which only $3.591 billion (23%) was utilised.

He said the onus lay on the ministries and executing agencies concerned to spend project funds strictly in accordance with the set targets and outlined reasons behind the delay in fund utilisation.

The EAD secretary suggested that project management units should be fully functioning by the time loans were provided and the bidding process should be completed within the stipulated time. Moreover, he called for effective monitoring of energy projects by the ministries concerned and termed such schemes procurement-intensive.

Following the presentation, the prime minister called the utilisation ratio unsatisfactory, saying the slow spending of foreign funds was the result of poor planning of project activities.

The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) managing director explained that the delay was caused at the stage of formulating and approval of PC-I of projects and further delay was noted during the bidding process that took a year. However, now work on all projects was going on smoothly.

The prime minister expressed concern over the slow progress and disbursement of funds as well as payment of commitment charges on loans. He directed the EAD to address the problem and ensure a speedy release of funds.

He also told the EAD to establish a well-coordinated mechanism and report to him if the utilisation of foreign aid and loan was delayed for any reason. He was of the view that the lower capacity of power distribution companies was one of the major hurdles in the way of uninterrupted electricity supply. He underlined the need of upgrading the transmission and distribution system to enable it to cope with the projected increase in electricity generation in future.

Read: Powerlessness in the power sector

The committee was told that the NTDC had prepared a five-year plan for revamping the system and the distribution companies needed capacity augmentation with the help of private sector to meet the challenges.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2015.

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			<title>Govt to outsource security of energy installations, oil logistics</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/922856/govt-to-outsource-security-of-energy-installations-oil-logistics</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/922856/govt-to-outsource-security-of-energy-installations-oil-logistics#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 15 18:12:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zafar.bhutta]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=922856</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[May also hand over operation of power generation companies]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The government has decided, in principle, to outsource the security of energy installations, oil logistics as well as operation and maintenance of state-owned power generation companies.

The decision came in the wake of damage caused to heavy power transmission lines in Balochistan by militants, leading to blackouts across the country. The security of oil logistics will be outsourced in a bid to curb the theft of oil valuing millions of rupees. According to estimates, furnace oil worth $200 million is stolen every year.

The previous government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had also tried to outsource operations and maintenance of power distribution companies to cope with the mounting losses. However, strong protests by employees of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) forced it to abandon the plan.

The PPP government also attempted to outsource operations and maintenance of power generation companies in order to recoup the lost capacity, but could not push ahead with the plan in this area too.

Now, the present government has also come up with a proposal to outsource the operation and maintenance of those state-run power generation companies that have very low efficiency levels.

At present, the government owns five thermal power generation companies, each of which is in dire financial straits. These include the 650-megawatt plant in Jamshoro, 800MW Guddu plant, 1,000MW Muzaffargarh plant, 30MW Lakhra plant and a power plant currently being constructed in Nandipur.

The government is also in the process of privatising power distribution companies in an effort to avoid the uncontrollable circular debt caused by power theft and high transmission and distribution losses. Officials are of the view that the power distribution and generation companies should be privatised as soon as possible since there is no other way to rebuild and revive the faltering system.

Power distribution companies have come in for a lot of criticism because of a lack of efficiency and swallowing billions of rupees in subsidies as the Ministry of Finance argues that it is not fair for a sector performing below par to take out such a huge amount from government coffers every year.

The ministry is of the view that the government has been bearing the burden of circular debt since 2007 and suggests that it is not appropriate at all that an inefficient sector costs the exchequer billions of rupees annually.

The previous and present governments have been sending cases of power defaulters to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), but conditions have not improved.

The present government has also recently announced an amnesty scheme to recover billions of rupees from the defaulters in order to lessen the burden on state finances.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th,  2015.

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			<title>Power woes: No load-shedding on Eid, promises K-Electric</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/922217/power-woes-no-load-shedding-on-eid-promises-ke</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/922217/power-woes-no-load-shedding-on-eid-promises-ke#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 15 17:22:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=922217</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Residents continue to protest unannounced power breakdowns in different areas]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[With Eidul Fitr around the corner, power breakdowns continue to haunt the residents of Karachi.

The K-Electric has announced that it will exempt the metropolis from load shedding during Eid-ul-Fitr. "This exemption will commence on Saturday morning and will last till Wednesday morning," said KE spokesperson Usama Qureshi.

He apologised for the inconvenience caused to consumers during the few days of Ramazan and said they were doing their best to ensure such faults did not recur.  Qureshi warned, however, that with the imminent monsoon season, there were chances of faults developing in loss-incurred areas, for which the Rapid Response Teams had been readied and which will be operating in shifts to tackle any issue.

For this purpose, four regional control centres have been set up across the city. "Consumers are requested to register their complaints on 118, the KE SMS service 8119 or the utility's digital media platforms," he said.

Plunged into darkness

At around 9pm on Wednesday night, the Baloch Para near Teen Hatti plunged into darkness. The power breakdown also caused a disruption in the water supply to the area later.



On Thursday morning, 12 hours after the lights had gone out, the residents blocked the road at Teen Hatti leading to Gurumandir, causing a severe traffic jam in the area. According to one of the protesters, Fahad, they had waited a good 12 hours before taking to the streets. "There is no electricity in the area for the last 12 hours," he said. "God knows what will happen during Eid, if the K-Electric continue to behave this way."

Meanwhile, the KE spokesperson told The Express Tribune that there was underground cable fault in the area, which took around 12 hours to repair. "Cable faults can occur anywhere, at any time," he said, adding that over 50 per cent of the connections in Teen Hatti were illegal, which was the main cause of the power breakdown in the area.

According to him, it took time to determine the fault in the underground cable.  The impatient residents, on the other hand, took illegal connections from remote areas, where there was no power outage, plunging even those areas into darkness, he claimed.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2015. ]]>
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			<title>Kick-start the economy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/584140/kick-start-the-economy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/584140/kick-start-the-economy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jul 13 19:17:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[M Ziauddin]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category><category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=584140</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Best way to kick-start economy is to invest in projects producing the commodity in greatest demand: electricity.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Governments have no business to be dabbling in business. Sounds stunningly logical. But tested against the response of the rich world to the Great Recession that engulfed the capitalist world in 2007, the logic does not sound all that sound. The very logic of the notion was cancelled when the British government nationalised a collapsing mortgage bank — the Northern Rock — on February 22, 2009. This was immediately followed by the US, as it threw good money (taxpayers’) after bad that its prestigious private investment banks and the automobile industry had gambled away in purely speculative games. But pumping cash into what had turned into a bottomless pit has not helped. Europe is still in turmoil while the US economy is seen to be attempting to save itself from complete collapse by attaching itself to the apron strings of the Chinese economy.

Interestingly, the Great Recession did not touch China, India and Brazil because their financial sectors were either state-controlled or highly regulated. In fact, the economies of the three kept expanding over the last six years, as the economies of the purely capitalist countries kept shrinking. Even Pakistani banks had remained untouched all along by the Great Recession because of strict enforcement of banking regulations by the State Bank of Pakistan. Despite this, Pakistan’s economy had remained in the doldrums all these years because of escalating waves of terrorism sweeping across the country and the mounting power shortages. Indeed, in recent years, Pakistan has become one of the world’s riskiest, as well as the least attractive destinations for foreign investment. Local investment is also drying up for the same reasons. There is no quick fix solution for either terrorism or power shortage. But as we await their resolution, we need, at the same time, to kick-start the economy because a serious slowdown in economic growth would only further fuel terrorism and further widen the gap between power supply and its demand.

And the best way to kick-start the economy is to make investments in projects producing the commodity in greatest demand in the country — electricity. But fossil fuel-fired power has proved to be our undoing because most of our fossil fuel requirement is imported and therefore, we are forced to subsidise at least half of the doorstep cost of per unit of electricity. Therefore, the never-ending circular debt. Hydel power has been known to be the most economical cost-wise. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) alone, there are scores of hydel sites, which can be exploited for short-gestation power projects with relatively smaller investment and by using appropriate indigenous technologies. In view of the prevailing investment climate, it would be too optimistic to expect the private sector to take the risk and that, too, in the most militancy-infested province. Moreover, our own experience, and also that of most developing countries, has shown that private sector involvement in power generation and its transmission have only pushed electricity out of the reach of most of the population, including the middle classes. So, there is a compelling reason for the state to enter the business of generating electricity. In fact, it is not only the power sector in which the state needs to invest but also in other utilities, as well as in those sectors considered indispensable for promoting long-term economic growth.

Here is an appropriate quote from an erudite book, The impact of privatisation in Pakistan, by Dr Akhtar Hasan Khan, former secretary planning: “In economic policies, there is no room for dogma or theology. Neither a totally private enterprise approach nor a completely public enterprise approach can yield the optimum results. China did not follow a doctrinaire approach. It opened its economy to foreign investment and a large sector of the economy was run on free market principles. On the other hand, vital sectors like banking, infrastructure, etc. were all publicly owned and managed.” The question is, in these days of extreme resource crunch, where does the government get the funds from for financing, to start with, the already identified K-P hydel projects? No harm in printing notes to kick-start the economy. But better still, let our champion fundraiser take the initiative. Imran Khan is one man, who not only Pakistanis, but many the world over trust with their money. Let him pass the hat around for contributions for launching the K-P hydel projects under his personal supervision.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2013.

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			<title>Electricity theft: FIA, LESCO uncover remote controlled theft mechanism</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/581185/electricity-theft-fia-lesco-uncover-remote-controlled-theft-mechanism</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/581185/electricity-theft-fia-lesco-uncover-remote-controlled-theft-mechanism#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 13 19:39:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[asad.kharal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=581185</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Owner of hotel arrested on charges of electricity theft from Gulberg, Lahore.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) in a joint raid have caught the owner of a local hotel on charges of electricity theft.

The FIA team, along with technical staff of LESCO raided the multi-storied Savoy Hotel situated in Gulberg area of Lahore on Tuesday and recovered a remote controlled device which is used for electricity theft , The Express Tribune has learnt .

The suspect was identified as Ahmed Shuja Luk , the owner of the hotel, a member of the raiding party told The Express Tribune.

The remote control device recovered from the hotel premises was used to steal electricity by blocking the meter without opening the meter’s body, a member of the raiding team further stated.

FIA officials said that the actual volume of the loss of electricity theft will be determined after the technical as well as forensic analysis of the meter, and billing history.

A case has been registered against Ahmed Shuja Luk under section 39-A of the Electricity Act and sections 36/37 of Electronic Transactions Ordinance  with FIA Anti-Corruption’s Circle Police Station.

KESC-FIA teams set up

In Karachi, the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) and the FIA have set up a task force to crack down on electricity theft and illegal electricity consumption, Express News reported.]]>
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			<title>Details of Rs480 billion circular debt pay-off released</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/580865/details-of-rs480-billion-circular-debt-pay-off-released</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/580865/details-of-rs480-billion-circular-debt-pay-off-released#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 13 15:24:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=580865</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Rs23 billion worth of debt still needs to be paid.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Ministry of Finance released details about the payment of circular debt to oil companies and power producers on Tuesday, Radio Pakistan reported.

A spokesperson of the ministry said in a statement that Rs480 billion worth of debt was paid and the details of the payments were posted on the official website of the ministry.

The total circular debt amounted to Rs503 billion prior to the payment.

The spokesperson said that Rs23 billion still needed to be paid. The figures and payments have not been independently verified .

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government's much publicised new energy policy envisages an end to power outages within three years besides phasing out electricity subsidies for all but domestic consumers, using up to 300 units a month.]]>
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			<title>Power cuts during sehri, iftari hours continue to dampen spirits</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579791/power-cuts-during-sehri-iftari-hours-continue-to-dampen-spirits</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579791/power-cuts-during-sehri-iftari-hours-continue-to-dampen-spirits#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Jul 13 21:29:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=579791</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[On Friday night, Karimabad residents took to the streets to protest against prolonged outages.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has failed to live up to its promise of ensuring uninterrupted power supply to consumers during sehri, iftari and taraweeh hours.


Earlier, it had announced to reschedule loadshedding hours to provide relief to the people in the holy month of Ramazan. “Instead of focusing on revenue generation, the power utility should improve its infrastructure to offer relief to the people,” a resident of North Nazimabad, Muhammad Humayon. “After privatisation, they have been earning billion of rupees but still they cannot improve their technical infrastructure and the distribution system.”

Since Ramazan started, various areas of the Karachi, including North Nazimabad, New Karachi, Gulistan-e-Juhar and Gulshan-e-Iqbal, are experiencing unannounced load-shedding, compelling people to open fast without electricity.

However, an official of the KESC, Adil Murtaza, denied that the power utility was resorting to any loadshedding during sehri and iftari hours. He explained that these areas were suffering from power cuts due to the tripping of feeders because of being overburdened.



“Even in high loss areas, we are not switching off electricity during sehri and iftari timings. From 6pm to 11 pm and from 2am to 7pm, we are trying to ensure power supply across the city,” Murtaza added.

The KESC official said that these areas were facing load-shedding due to electricity theft by people living in slum areas during iftari time, causing the entire vicinity to plunge into darkness.

Power protest

On Friday night, infuriated residents of Karimabad took to the streets and blocked a road to protest against the prolonged power cuts. “Since morning, we have been without electricity. This inhumane act should be stopped by the government,” said a protester.

He demanded the nationalisation of the power utility, and said that the power crises have become worse with time and there was no relief in sight.

On the other hand, a pole-mounted transformer (PMT) of North Nazimabad Block-P developed a technical fault because of being overburdened for two days. The area continued to suffer from power crises, according to the residents.



The protester said that a slum area behind the North Nazimbad Block-P was involved in electricity theft, adding that despite filing several applications at the KESC office for the installation of a new PMT, no action had been taken.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Mepco crackdown: Policeman killed in power theft raid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579331/mepco-crackdown-policeman-killed-in-power-theft-raid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579331/mepco-crackdown-policeman-killed-in-power-theft-raid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jul 13 20:30:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=579331</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[300 illegal electricity connections discovered.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A police constable died on Friday from injuries suffered when residents of a colony raided by a Multan Electric Power Company team on an anonymous tip put up resistance to severing of illegal connections.


Twenty of the villagers were arrested and cases were registered against more than 50.

Saddar police said Mepco officials had been informed that residents of the colony in Chak 37/D near Deepalpur in Okara district had been stealing electricity. The colony has nearly 300 houses.

A Mepco task force, headed by Sub Divisional Officer Liaqat Ali of Haveli Lakha sub division, raided the colony and found that residents had connected wires to the electricity poles.

The SDO was accompanied by seven workers and three policemen.

When the workers started cutting the wires, more than 20 residents of the colony tried to stop them.



The SDO refused to listen to them and directed the workers to continue disconnecting the illegal installations.

In about 10 minutes, police said, more than 100 men attacked the Mepco workers and police with sticks and iron rods.

Some of them used firearms, injuring Constable Muhammad Ahmed.

The police headquarters was informed and reinforcements were called. However, the assailants had fled by the time help arrived. At least 11 Mepco officials were injured in the episode.

The injured were taken to tehsil headquarters hospital, from where Ahmed was referred to district headquarters hospital. He died on the way.

THQ hospital Medical Superintendent Shahid Farooq said five of the 13 injured admitted to the hospital were in critical condition. These included two policemen, the SDO and the task force in charge.

DSP Imtiaz Ahmed said an FIR had been registered against 55 assailants with the Saddar police. Of these, he said, 20 had been arrested.

Funeral prayers for the deceased constable were offered at his home town, Qasmana. Sahiwal Division RPO Shehzada Sultan and Okara DPO Raja Basharat attended the funeral.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>To the rescue: Govt vows to fix ailing power sector in three years</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579288/to-the-rescue-govt-vows-to-fix-ailing-power-sector-in-three-years</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579288/to-the-rescue-govt-vows-to-fix-ailing-power-sector-in-three-years#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jul 13 19:14:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=579288</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Energy policy will be country’s boldest attempt to solve energy crisis, says new energy minister .]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The new energy minister promised on Thursday to fix the country’s ailing energy sector in three years, laying out an ambitious plan to tackle crippling power shortages that have devastated the economy and sparked violent protests.


Blackouts lasting more than half a day in some areas have infuriated the public, prompting the new prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, to declare tackling the crisis one of his top priorities.

Khawaja Asif, minister for water and power, told Reuters his team will reduce Pakistan’s reliance on expensive oil imports, build new power plants and pay off a chain of debt choking one of the most inefficient energy sectors in the world.

As part of the new plan, Asif said Pakistan will announce significant cuts to subsidised tariffs for powerful industries in the next few days and boost investment to upgrade ageing transmission lines and power generation facilities.

“The whole thing is a nightmare,” said Asif, describing the current state of his sector.

“We are going for a surgery. There will be a lot of pain. A lot of discomfort. But once the patient is up and about, running, then he will say that the pain was worthwhile.”

Asif, seen as a pro-market technocrat, served as petroleum minister in 2008 and was chairman of the privatisation commission in a previous Sharif cabinet in the 1990s.

His plan, due to be unveiled next week, is set to be Pakistan’s boldest attempt in over a decade to tackle persistent power cuts that have stunted economic growth.

But critics have questioned just how far Sharif will be prepared to go to overhaul an important sector criss-crossed by decades-long alliances, industry loyalties and lobby groups watching each other’s backs.

Asif said his first step was to plug a Rs500 billion financing hole, known as ‘circular debt’ – a vicious cycle of unpaid bills running through the entire power-generation chain –  and to reduce the length of power cuts.

“The elimination of load-shedding (power cuts) completely will take place in three years, God willing,” he said.

Privatisation

Pakistan’s state-owned power companies are notoriously inefficient. Many influential families refuse to pay their bills while the poor often cannot afford to pay.

The government sells power below the cost of production but pays subsidies late or not at all. Plants cannot afford fuel.

As a result, Pakistan has lost an estimated Rs5 billion in the last five years, a loss it can ill-afford as it struggles to revive its moribund economy and reduce its budget deficit.

The government had already paid $3 billion of the circular debt in its first 40 days in office and plans to pay off the rest by the first week of August, Asif said.

“At the moment we need to get rid of this debt situation,” he said. “If we don’t do that, it will start piling up again.”

In the longer term, he said Pakistan will move from relying on expensive imported oil to hydroelectric, coal and gas-based power to reduce the costs of generation.

“Our goal is to change the energy mix of our country,” Asif said. “New generation capacity should be based on cheaper fuel.”

For this, at least 10 hydroelectric power plants are in the pipeline, which Asif predicts will come online by 2016.

New projects also include a Chinese-financed wind power plant near the city of Karachi, solar energy projects in Sharif’s home province of Punjab and plans to import liquefied natural gas via a new terminal from 2014.

“Generation can be taken over by the private sector and distribution should be also done by the private sector. The government should gradually get out of this business.”

“We will increase the tariff in the coming days,” Asif said. “Bigger consumers, they will have ... no subsidy. But we will protect the domestic consumers,” he said, referring to individual households.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2013. 

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>FIA awarded special powers to prosecute electricity thieves</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579365/fia-awarded-special-powers-to-prosecute-electricity-thieves</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/579365/fia-awarded-special-powers-to-prosecute-electricity-thieves#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jul 13 18:01:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[asad.kharal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=579365</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Provincial task forces set up to keep a check on electricity theft.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The federal government has given special powers to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday to take legal action against those stealing electricity.

Sources confirmed that the move was initiated in accordance with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's directives and that Section 39A of the Electricity Act has been added to FIA's list of offences as a result.

Provincial task forces have have also been set up to keep a check on electricity theft. They have been constituted in all four FIA zonal offices in Sindh, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Deputy Director FIA Immigration Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore was nominated as the head of the provincial task force, while acting Deputy Director FIA Anti-Trafficking Unit Lahore was appointed as a senior member.

The country head of anti-electricity theft unit Hussain Asghar assigned the FIA Punjab task force to initiate inquiry against CEO Gujranwala Electricity Power Company (GEPCO) Mehboob Alam, accused of corrupt practices and electricity theft.

Under the new powers given to FIA, electricity theft cases can be registered in respective FIA anti-corruption police stations.]]>
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			<title>New power minister plans to shift energy mix in 3 'pain' filled years</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/578742/new-power-minister-plans-to-shift-energy-mix-in-3-pain-filled-years</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/578742/new-power-minister-plans-to-shift-energy-mix-in-3-pain-filled-years#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 13 18:56:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=578742</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Khwaja Asif intends to reduce expensive fuel imports and shift to hydropower, eliminating loadshedding in 3 years.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The new energy minister said on Thursday that he aims to shift country's energy mix in three years, laying out an ambitious plan to tackle crippling power shortages that have devastated the economy and sparked violent protests, but warned that there would be a lot of "pain", before the "patient" can be up and rinning.

Blackouts lasting more than half a day in some areas have infuriated many Pakistanis, prompting the new prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, to declare tackling the crisis one of his top priorities.

Minister for water and power Khawaja Asif, told Reuters that his team would reduce Pakistan's reliance on expensive oil imports, build new power plants and pay off a chain of debt choking one of the most inefficient energy sectors in the world.

As part of the new plan, Asif said the government would announce
significant cuts to subsidised tariffs for powerful industries in the next few days and boost investment to upgrade ageing transmission lines and power generation facilities.

"The whole thing is a nightmare," said Asif, describing the current state of his sector.

"We are going for a surgery. There will be a lot of pain. A lot of discomfort. But once the patient is up and about, running, then he will say that the pain was worthwhile."

Asif, seen as a pro-market technocrat, served as the petroleum minister in 2008 and was chairman of the privatisation commission in a previous Sharif cabinet in the 1990s.

His plan, due to be unveiled next week, is set to be Pakistan's boldest attempt in over a decade to tackle persistent power cuts that have stunted economic growth in a country already plagued by sectarian violence, poverty and corruption.

But critics have questioned just how far Sharif will be prepared to go to overhaul an important sector criss-crossed by decades-long alliances, industry loyalties and lobby groups watching each other's backs.

Asif said his first step was to plug a Rs500 billion ($5 billion) financing hole, known as 'circular debt' - a vicious cycle of unpaid bills running through the entire power-generation chain - and to reduce the length of power cuts.

"The elimination of loadshedding (power cuts) completely will take place in three years, God willing," he said.

Privatisation

State owned power companies are notoriously inefficient. Many influential families refuse to pay their bills while the poor often cannot afford to pay.

The government sells power below the cost of production but pays subsidies late or not at all. Plants cannot afford fuel. As a result, Pakistan has lost an estimated Rs5 billion in the last five years, a loss it can ill-afford as it struggles to revive its moribund economy and reduce its budget deficit.

The government had already paid $3 billion of the circular debt in its first 40 days in office and plans to pay off the rest by the first week of August, Asif said.

"At the moment we need to get rid of this debt situation," he said. "If we don't do that, it will start piling up again."

In the longer term, he said Pakistan would move from relying on expensive imported oil to hydroelectric, coal and gas-based power to reduce the costs of generation.

"Our goal is to change the energy mix of our country," Asif said. "New generation capacity should be based on cheaper fuel."

For this, at least 10 hydroelectric power plants are in the pipeline, which Asif predicts will come online by 2016.

New projects also include a Chinese-financed wind power plant near the second city of Karachi, solar energy projects in Sharif's home province of Punjab and plans to import liquefied natural gas via a new terminal from 2014.

"Generation can be taken over by the private sector and distribution should be also done by the private sector. The government should gradually get out of this business," said Asif.

"We will increase the tariff in the coming days. Bigger consumers, they will have ... no subsidy. But we will protect the domestic consumers," he said, referring to individual households.]]>
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			<title>Setting the game plan: Govt okays power projects totalling 3,511MW</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/572631/setting-the-game-plan-govt-okays-power-projects-totalling-3511mw</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/572631/setting-the-game-plan-govt-okays-power-projects-totalling-3511mw#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jul 13 21:10:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=572631</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Two nuclear power plants to be built in Karachi with Chinese assistance.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The federal government, in a meeting of the top economic decision making body, has approved four energy sector projects with a combined electricity generation capacity of 3,511 megawatts (MW). The projects which have been given the go-ahead include two nuclear power plants that are to be built in Karachi with Chinese assistance. These plants will help move energy consumption away from expensive imported fossil fuels, officials said.


The decision to okay these projects was taken by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), which is headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. The total cost of these projects will come to around Rs1.31 trillion. They include the Karachi Coastal Nuclear Power Plant-I (K-I) of 1,100MW generation capacity, and K-II of 1,100MW generation capacity. The total cost of these two projects is Rs958.8 billion and they will be completed over a period of seven years. Nonetheless, Dar directed the concerned agencies to try and complete the projects in less than five years.

The minister said that previous practices had been such that an anticipatory approval was given to projects by the finance minister at his discretion, and said this is a practice that he would like to dispense with. He said he wanted every project to be discussed in Ecnec before it is approved, reads an official handout issued by the finance ministry.

He said that the finances for all approved projects should be arranged in time and that projects should be monitored regularly so that they do not fall into neglect or are delayed for want of resources.

The country’s energy mix has reversed in the last 15 years, wherein a reliance on fossil fuels has increased to 75% from the earlier 25% .

While discussing the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Electric Project, which has been approved at a revised cost of Rs274.9 billion against the previous cost of Rs84 billion, the meeting decided that an investigation into the causes behind the huge cost overruns and delays in the project should be made and submitted so that responsibility can be fixed.

Certain key officials in the Water and Power Development Authority and some high-ranking political personalities have been blamed in the past for this cost overrun.

Ecnec also directed the Ministry of Water and Power to complete laying electricity transmission lines for the power plant in tandem with the project.

Ecnec also approved the Nandipur combined cycle power plant (CCPP), which has a 425-525MW capacity and will now be completed at a cost of Rs57.4 billion. The original price of the project was Rs22 billion, which has increased manifold due to the dillydallying of previous government functionaries, allegedly on hopes of seeking kickbacks from contractors.

Science and technology

Ecnec has also approved Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS) project, which will be located in Sindh and Punjab, with a cost of Rs19.7 billion. The PRSS project is part of the National Satellite Development Programme for space technology, and its applications will be in the institutional capacity building of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and other relevant organisations. PRSS will carry an optical payload which will transmit high-resolution images of the earth with stereo capabilities.

Infrastructure

Ecnec has approved the addition of the 3rd, 4th and 5th lanes to the Kashmir Highway from Peshawar More to GT Road, including the construction of a new bridge for additional carriageway, in Islamabad. The revised project envisages rehabilitation and improvement of the two existing lanes and addition of one more flexible pavement as the 3rd lane and the addition of two rigid pavements as the 4th and 5th lanes on the northern and southern carriageway of the Kashmir Highway between Peshawar More and the GT Road. The revised PC-I cost for the project is Rs4.7 billion, against the original cost of Rs2.2 billion.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2013. 

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>With Chinese assistance: ECNEC set to approve three nuclear power plants</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/572141/with-chinese-assistance-ecnec-set-to-approve-three-nuclear-power-plants</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/572141/with-chinese-assistance-ecnec-set-to-approve-three-nuclear-power-plants#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jul 13 20:10:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=572141</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Neelum Jhelum power project will also be considered for approval, despite higher cost.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The highest project approval body is set to approve over Rs1.4 trillion worth of projects today (Thursday), including three nuclear power plants of 2,400 megawatts capacity which will be built in Karachi with Chinese assistance.


In total, six projects will be considered by the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) for approval, according to Planning Commission officials. The body is headed by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

All these projects have one thing in common – Chinese assistance – and are being approved at a time when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in China to deepen economic relations with the world’s second largest economy.

The body will also consider the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS) project for approval, which will also be established with Chinese support. The estimated cost of this project is Rs19.7 billion, including a Rs15.8 billion foreign loan component. For the current year, Rs631 million has been allocated for the project.

The satellite will be launched in 2015-16 and carry a high-resolution electro-optical payload with designed service life of five years, according to Suparco website.

Ecnec is expected to approve Karachi Coastal Power project, which is sponsored by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). The estimated cost of this 1,100MW nuclear power plant is Rs958.8 billion including Rs692 billion foreign loan.

This project will also be built with Chinese assistance. For the current year, the government has allocated Rs6 billion in the budget for land acquisition.

Karachi Nuclear Power Plant-I (Kanupp-I) and Kanupp-II may also be considered for approval by Ecnec. To keep these projects secret, the government has not added them in the meeting’s agenda, sources said. Kanupp-II will have 1,000MW power generation capacity.

The agreements for implementation of these two projects were signed during the tenure of the PPP government, but later on they were put on hold indefinitely, sources said.

Ecnec is also taking up for approval the 969MW Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project with revised cost estimates. Started with an estimated cost of Rs84 billion, the revised cost is now Rs274.9 billion, according to PC officials.

The cost increased due to delays, change in design and alleged commissions taken in procurement of machinery and equipment. This revised cost is based on rupee’s value at 86 per dollar. But now the rupee-dollar parity has crossed Rs100.

The government has not included Rs46.2 billion interest cost in the revised PC-I. By including this, according to revised PC-I pro forma, the project cost will be Rs321.4 billion. Of this, Rs155.2 billion is rupee component and Rs166.2 billion is foreign exchange component.

China had stopped processing a $448 million loan for this project due to reservations about two other projects – Safe City Islamabad and a communications project. But with the change in government in Pakistan, chances of finalisation of the loan have brightened as premier Sharif is expected to take up this matter with the Chinese authorities during his ongoing trip, sources said.

Ecnec will also consider for approval the Nandipur Power Plant of 425MW, which is another case of mismanagement by the last government. Against initial cost of Rs22 billion, the revised cost stands at Rs57.4 billion.

The government has added demurrage charges worth Rs1.7 billion to the cost that Chinese contractors will claim from Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2013. 

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Resolving the energy crisis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/570090/resolving-the-energy-crisis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/570090/resolving-the-energy-crisis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 Jun 13 19:22:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category><category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=570090</guid>
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				<![CDATA[We applaud effort, but we would encourage government to take a little more time to study the long-term implications.]]>
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				<![CDATA[When it comes to the energy sector reforms, the Nawaz Administration appears to be making relatively sensible choices. What makes the administration’s plan particularly impressive is that it seeks to balance what is politically possible with what is technically and financially necessary. So, for instance, the government is seeking to pay off the energy sector’s circular debt in one go in order to significantly reduce power cuts and win the public’s confidence before tackling the harder bits of the problem, like raising tariffs and forcing electricity thieves to pay their bills. We also admire the government’s commitment to reduce the weighted average cost of producing electricity for the national grid by moving towards cheaper fuel sources. We worry, however, that some of these moves are being made without a more thorough analysis of the future costs.

Take, for instance, the government’s agreement with the independent power producers (IPPs) to switch their expensive oil-fired power plants to a cheaper fuel source, coal. This apparently seems like a sensible policy. Coal-fired power generation costs approximately Rs10 per kilowatt-hour, even when running on imported coal, compared with the Rs18 a unit or higher that oil-fired power plants cost. A sensible saving that would have the added advantage of reducing the cost of power generation to just under the upper limit set by the prime minister for how high the government is willing to let retail electricity tariffs rise to.

We applaud the effort, but we would encourage the government to take a little more time to study the long-term implications of converting from oil to coal. According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s 2012 state of industry report, oil-fired power plants account for over 8,000 megawatts of installed capacity. Converting all of those to coal is an effort likely to cost several billion dollars. The government of Pakistan has a tendency to make energy policy by simply going for the latest fads. That is how we got into the trouble of having too many oil-fired power plants in the first place. We set them up in the mid to late-1990s, when oil prices were at historic lows in inflation-adjusted terms, and it seemed to make all the sense in the world to build power plants for something that we could fuel either through our own indigenous resources or through imports from friendly regional countries. As we now know, that turned out to be a disastrous idea.

When in the mid-2000s, the prices of oil started going up, we started converting many power plants to natural gas, under the assumption that the country had abundant gas reserves, not realising that much of those had been depleted due to a half-century policy of horribly mispricing the commodity and incentivising its waste. And so, just under a decade later, we are once again talking about changing the fuel source for our power plants.

The government would do well to realise that a thermal power plant has an operating life of about 30 years. That means that any plan that only takes into account fuel prices this year, and not how they might fluctuate over, at least, the next decade is likely to come up short-sighted. Pakistan has tried several different iterations of this strategy at least twice now and is looking set to repeat the same mistake a third time. Have we learnt nothing from our mistakes?

We are not opposed to the idea of switching to coal-fired power plants, though there is something to be said for the environmental hazards of doing so. However, we do urge the government to take the trouble to figure out whether or not the mathematics that currently make the option so attractive are likely to hold true for the next few years. Otherwise, we will be back to square one in another decade.

Pakistan cannot afford another lost decade. We understand the prime minister’s urgency to get things done. But taking just a little more time to get them right is likely to be an investment worth making.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2013.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>Load-shedding, low output and livid designers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/564381/load-shedding-low-output-and-livid-designers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/564381/load-shedding-low-output-and-livid-designers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 13 14:22:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saadia.qamar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=564381</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A look at how our designers are faring in this hot mess of a situation.]]>
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				<![CDATA[While our Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif vowed to make the country’s energy crisis his government’s topmost priority earlier this month, garmi mein kharaab citizens all over the country have had no respite from the horrifyingly long power outages just yet. 

From skilled workers to business owners, people are facing regular 10-hour power outages, with some breakdowns lasting as long as 48 hours! So how are our designers faring in this hot mess of a situation?


Karachi-based designer Rizwan Beyg describes how the outages are creating havoc.  “The situation is very serious because it’s affecting the lives of all the employees as well,” says Beyg. “No bijli all night means karigars come to work groggy — it affects the final outcome. We have to rely on generators to run our karkhanas, but after three hours, they have to be shut down.”

Shehla Chatoor adds to this, explaining that running workshops on generators can be costly. “I have a back-up generator in my workshop, but it is very costly to run on generator,” says Chatoor. “Fabrics and other items get delayed in the market as they rely on electricity for production. The poor workers and small industries cannot afford to run on generators.”



Warda Saleem says the whole industry is affected. “We use machines that require a lot of power and the UPS is certainly not an option,” says Saleem. “The use of generators increases, which then affects the cost of products directly.” As a result of increased production costs, designers say that they are forced to increase the sale price of the product.

Lahore-based designer Fahad Hussayn says he is faced with an average of 16 hours of load-shedding. “It is a complete loss for any designer,” says Hussayn. “In the good old days it was one suit per tailor, but now it takes up to three days to make a suit!”

Rizwan expands that the load-shedding duration varies from one hour to all day.  “The figures, in terms of losses, vary from a few thousand to Rs100,000 a week,” he says. “We work with generators but, with constant increases in fuel prices, the extra cost is added to the garment price, making it more expensive for the consumer and raising inflation.” He adds, “The government thinks that by raising fuel prices, they will be able to meet their circular debt. What they don’t realise is that it’s a spiraling effect that ultimately affects the consumer and finally their constituency; so, in the coming election year, there will be fewer votes.”

While all the designers hope and pray that this issue is resolved, Chatoor feels there is some good news. “Recently, I saw that KESC and SSGC have reached an accord on increase in gas supply, so I hope the problem will be resolved soon,” she says. “The government must address the issue of circular debt, theft, capacity increase and explore the use of coal for power generation.” She also feels that Pakistan uses expensive fuels for production of electricity, the cost of which is again passed on to the poor masses. “India, China and the US produce most of their electricity with coal, so why can’t we do the same?” she asks. “We have more than sufficient reserves of coal in our country.”

Rizwan, however, has no hope. “I don’t think there seems to be any political will,” he says. “Lahore has a $700 million bus system that it could do without and now Karachi has been promised one. We have buses — but we don’t have bijli.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2013.

Like Life &amp; Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.]]>
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			<title>High level huddle in Islamabad deliberates over power crisis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/563233/high-level-huddle-in-islamabad-deliberates-over-power-crisis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/563233/high-level-huddle-in-islamabad-deliberates-over-power-crisis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 13 16:06:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sumera.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=563233</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nawaz wants plans for importing electricity from neighbouring countries by June 20.]]>
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				<![CDATA[With the government’s budget proposals for alleviating the acute power shortage in the cutry and mounting circular debt yet to be ratified, the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on the national problem in Islamabad on Friday.

During the meeting, Nawaz directed to boost the National Grid’s generation capacity and to have special focus on overhauling the power plants particularly those often get troubled and nonfunctional due to technical faults.

The meeting reviewed the prevailing energy situation in the country and examined ways and means to improve it.

Nawaz has also decided to hold a special meeting on a weekly basis to review the energy situation.

Earlier, the premier was given a detailed briefing about power production and distribution by officials of water and power ministry. Energy experts gave details about strategy and implementation of timelines for reduction of load shedding as a major chunk of the meeting was spent deliberating on how to curb the circular debt within 60 days as per the commitment made in the federal fiscal budget for year 2013-14.

Importing power

The prime minister also directed the water and power ministry to develop a long term energy security policy and explore opportunities to import electricity from neighboring countries.

The officials were directed by the premier to present a detailed report before June 20 when the cabinet’s approval on plans will be sought.

Comprehensive power plan

The ministry of water and power officials told the premier that short-term, mid-term and long-term plans on power projects will be completed this month. Additionally, an action plan is also being finalised for recovery of power bills from defaulters.

The meeting also underlined the need to reduce theft, rationalise tariff and minimise line losses.

The Prime Minister directed to take on board the provinces in the consultative process on the power plan.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Water and Power Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and experts of energy sector.]]>
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			<title>India willing to export electricity to Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/563213/india-willing-to-export-electricity-to-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/563213/india-willing-to-export-electricity-to-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 13 15:14:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Aditi Phadnis]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=563213</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources say it will only take a few months to build the transmission line, for power to start flowing.]]>
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				<![CDATA[India is ready to help Pakistan alleviate its energy crisis by setting up a power transmission line across the border, sources in the Indian Enery Ministry said.

Pakistan, which already purchases electricity from Iran, has sought to purchase power to alleviate some of the acute energy crisis it is currently facing and has sought the supply of 500 Mega Watts of power from its Eastern neighbour.

As part of this, a delegation from the Indian Power Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Rita Acharya visited Pakistan earlier this week. They discussed the broad contours of the proposed arrangement and explored points which can be used to hook-up to the grid in Pakistan through a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line. However, details and modalities of the purchase and the techno-commercial as well as sovereign arrangements still need to be worked out.

Sources said the transmission line may not take very long to build and power could start flowing in matter of months, even though India will have to build a transmission network at its end and transmission lines for power transmission may need to be developed. A formal timeline was not offered.

However, they said that the main obstacle remained building a political will around the move.

India has an installed capacity of over 2,11,000 MW plans to add another 88,000 MW electricity by March, 2017.]]>
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			<title>First of its kind: Allied Bank inaugurates solar-powered branch</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/562024/first-of-its-kind-allied-bank-inaugurates-solar-powered-branch</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/562024/first-of-its-kind-allied-bank-inaugurates-solar-powered-branch#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 13 22:10:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[press.release]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=562024</guid>
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				<![CDATA[The branch is located at Jhang Road, Faisalabad.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Allied Bank inaugurated its first branch powered solely by solar power at Jhang Road, Faisalabad on Tuesday. 


The bank’s initiative also set the direction for effective utilisation of solar power in Pakistan. In the midst of crippling energy crisis, the solar power project could be very helpful in balancing and meeting the challenges faced by the sector.

Allied Bank Director Waseem Mukhtar inaugurated the branch. Also present on the occasion were the bank’s CEO Tariq Mahmood, Chief of Banking Services Zia Ijaz, Chief of Commercial and Retail Banking Khawaja Mohammad Almas along with other officials of the bank.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2013.

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			<title>Bleeding dry: Power theft eats up Rs40 billion every year</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/562027/bleeding-dry-power-theft-eats-up-rs40-billion-every-year</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/562027/bleeding-dry-power-theft-eats-up-rs40-billion-every-year#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 13 22:10:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=562027</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ministry asked to take steps to recover unpaid bills.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has disclosed that electricity worth Rs40 billion is stolen every year because of prevalent malpractices in power distribution companies.


Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Water and Power here on Tuesday, chaired by Senator Zahid Khan, Acting Nepra Chairman Khawaja Naeem said power theft was a major factor paralysing the entire energy chain.

He pointed out that power distribution companies failed to recover Rs70 billion in electricity bills every year, whereas the government had been spending Rs394 billion in power subsidies annually.

According to Naeem, the mark-up of power firms had swelled to Rs45 billion, while a hefty amount of Rs80 billion had become stuck on account of court orders.

“This is a major reason behind the circular debt, as total revenue requirement of the power sector was Rs988 billion,” he said, arguing that the Ministry of Water and Power had never bothered to call Nepra to seek its input in this connection.

The Senate body was also told that Rs549 billion of power distribution companies had been stuck on different accounts.

Panel members asked the water and power ministry to meet Nepra officials and discuss steps that could be taken to recover unpaid bills from different departments.

Finance ministry officials present in the meeting said they would provide Rs15 billion in power subsidies in the current month.

Members of the committee underlined the need for ensuring equal power outages across the country and asked the officials concerned to take an initiative in this regard. They were told not to give in to any pressure while resorting to equal load-shedding.

Committee members pressed the water and power secretary to hold a meeting with the minister and prepare a strategy to do away with the “VIP culture of uninterrupted power supply”.

Committee Chairman Zahid Khan said the water and power ministry had given a wrong figure about demand and supply, and that the wrong percentages led to hours-long outages, causing unbearable suffering for the people.

“If load-shedding was being carried out in parliament lodges, why are the Supreme Court and Prime Minister’s House not treated in the same way?” he asked.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2013.

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			<title>Engro suggests creation of single energy ministry</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/562023/engro-suggests-creation-of-single-energy-ministry</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/562023/engro-suggests-creation-of-single-energy-ministry#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 13 22:06:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=562023</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Lays out solutions to energy woes in a comprehensive report.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Engro Corporation – one of the biggest conglomerates of Pakistan – has suggested that the government create a single energy ministry by merging the oil, gas, water and power sectors, which, it believes, will be able to efficiently regulate power companies.

“Pakistan’s energy problems are difficult, but not impossible to overcome if the new government starts taking short- and long-term measures,” Engro Powergen Qadirpur Limited Chief Executive Syed Muhammad Ali said while presenting a detailed report on the energy sector here on Tuesday. The report was prepared by the Engro Energy Research Group.

“Pakistan can immediately increase power production by 2,000 megawatts (MW), for which it will have to divert oil supply to more efficient power plants,” said Ali.

The country can also shift oil-based power plants to coal, which will not only bring down the cost of power generation, but will also wipe off Rs175 billion from the Rs500 billion circular debt.

According to the study, current power generation stands at a paltry 9,000MW, compared to demand for a whopping 15,500MW, excluding the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC). This has resulted in a massive shortfall of 6,500MW, with the KESC supplying around 1,500MW against demand for 2,000MW.

Keeping this in mind, the National Transmission and Despatch Company believes that the shortfall will cross 12,000MW by 2016-17 if remedial measures are not taken.

Furthermore, the study shows that a severe shortfall in gas production is imminent, as production growth has remained negative since 2006-07. In 2014, gas demand is expected to be 6.3 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) against supply of 4 bcfd.

The study says the new government must take a tough line to avoid energy bankruptcy in the years to come and increase gas tariffs, develop domestic resources, institute reforms in the power sector and exhibit the political will to take unpopular decisions.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2013.

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			<title>Energy crisis: Govt refuses to give timeframe to end outages</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/560773/energy-crisis-govt-refuses-to-give-timeframe-to-end-outages</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/560773/energy-crisis-govt-refuses-to-give-timeframe-to-end-outages#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 13 20:29:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=560773</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt prepares long- and short-term plans to end load-shedding.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The government will curtail the duration of electricity outages in Ramazan and has chalked out short- and long-term plans to end crippling load-shedding across the country, says the water and power minister, but he has no specific timeframe.


Earlier, the Pakistan Peoples Party-led coalition government set deadlines to do away with acute power shortages, but miserably failed to meet its commitments. In the past many years, widespread and prolonged outages crippled life and business, triggering resentment among people and businessmen, sometimes leading to riots.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who took over as minister of water and power, told the media here on Saturday load-shedding would be equally shared by all consumers.

“We will try to ensure equal load-shedding in all sectors,” he said, adding measures would be taken to get rid of corruption in the power sector.

Chastising the PPP government, he said they had five years to improve conditions, but they wasted time and did nothing. The new government would try to overcome the power crisis in order to provide relief to the people, he declared.



Though he said short and long-term plans had been prepared to bridge the widening electricity demand-supply gap, he refused to set any deadline to eliminate load-shedding from the country.

“We will have to clear the mess caused over the last 14 years that has plagued the entire energy chain,” he remarked.

Over the years, the inter-corporate debt in the energy chain has mounted to a whopping Rs500 billion and cash-strapped power companies, which are owed billions of rupees, have been unable to run at full capacity. Power transmission and distribution losses of state-owned companies, which stand at more than 25% in some cases, have made matters worse.

Responding to a question, Asif said he could not give a deadline to end electricity outages, but the government would inform people about any unscheduled load-shedding.

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman and some other officials held a meeting with the minister for water and power and briefed him about hydropower projects.

Asif expressed concern over transmission and distribution losses and sought a comprehensive report on the losses, receivables and payables of power distribution companies.

He also asked the power firms to ensure equitable load-shedding across the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2013. 

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			<title>Economic gain over ideology</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/560714/economic-gain-over-ideology</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/560714/economic-gain-over-ideology#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 13 17:45:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[raza.rumi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=560714</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Our national interest of rebuilding the economy must precede all other imperatives.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The new government faces the immediate crisis of fixing Pakistan’s power outages and living up to the promises it made during the election campaign. The new prime minister (PM), Nawaz Sharif, dwelled considerably on this issue in his inaugural speech in parliament and his subsequent meetings have also focused on how to fix the energy crisis. Our current installed power generation capacity stands at around 24,000 megawatts (MW). The actual generation is far less and does not exceed 10,000 MW, largely due to the Rs1 trillion circular debt, which prevents the government from making timely payments to the independent power producers (IPPs). Needless to say, the energy crisis has crippled the economy and caused much public discontent. The election results are a testament to the extent the Pakistani electorate voted in favour of a party that may solve this crisis.

A missing feature from PM Sharif’s speech was the mention of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, which was agreed on by the previous government. The PPP government also did not do much in its first few years largely due to its fear of annoying the US and Saudi Arabia, which do not view Iran favourably.

It is ironic that since the recent wave of the energy crisis started in 2006, we did not think of extending regional cooperation, given that Iran has vast reserves of oil and gas. Once again, we might be on the verge of squandering this opportunity. All efforts to restructure the economy require medium-term initiatives. In the short term, the pipeline from Iran can considerably alleviate our woes.

Currently, Pakistan purchases 34MW of electricity from Iran daily. In 2008, we agreed to purchase a total of 1,000 MW from it. There are Iranian companies involved in two power projects in Sindh and helping out with power management in Balochistan. However, the landmark agreement came in the shape of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline. The Pakistani part (750 km) of the 1,600-kilometre pipeline will cost $1.5 billion to build and will facilitate the export of 21.5 million cubic meters of Iranian natural gas to Pakistan on a daily basis. The capacity of this project is above 4,000 MW. Iran has even completed the 900 km of this pipeline on its side of the border and is ready to help us in completing our part rapidly.

The proposed pipeline can add up to five per cent to Pakistan’s GDP and during the construction phase will create 10,000 jobs. Once it is built, there will be thousands employed. Iran has accepted a major share of the financial burden for its construction and financing. So, why are we still reluctant?

Iran faces US-led international sanctions due to its nuclear programme. It is also well known that Nawaz Sharif enjoys the confidence of Saudi Arabia, which has backed these sanctions. There is immense pressure which Pakistan faces. The US believes that the pipeline violates sanctions, despite the statements from President Asif Zardari where he termed the pipeline a “peace pipeline”. Both Iran and Pakistan claim that the pipeline has no relationship with Iran’s nuclear programme and thus is beyond the remit of sanctions.

In his recent guidelines to missions abroad, premier Sharif has mentioned Pakistan’s quest to achieve a delicate diplomatic balance by pursuing “close cooperative relations” with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran. Here comes the test for the new government as to how well it can advocate its cause and the urgent need of energy to sustain the economy as well as quell growing social unrest. It would require even more vigorous diplomacy with the US to make the argument for the pipeline. Our national interest of rebuilding the economy must precede all other imperatives.

An overwhelming majority of Pakistanis hold a favourable view of Iran. Nawaz Sharif’s backing of the pipeline will pay him political dividends as well. Most importantly, it will discontinue our historical failure to guarantee policy continuity when governments change. It is time to focus on our priorities and keep our self-interest above all other considerations. This pipeline will also reset our foreign policy with regional economic cooperation at its core. It is time we gave up “ideology” in favour of pure economic gains.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2013.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>EPZA, KESC to build power plant in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/558801/epza-kesc-to-build-power-plant-in-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/558801/epza-kesc-to-build-power-plant-in-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 13 19:16:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=558801</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Facility will ensure continuous power supply to the export zone in the city.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[To ensure continuous and uninterrupted power supply to the Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) is working with the Karachi Electric Supply Company to establish a 25-megawatt power plant.


In a statement, EPZA Chairman Saadat Cheema said the power supply arrangement would be a major initiative in the area of alternative energy development for ensuring power supply. “A power plant is also proposed for the Gujranwala Export Processing Zone for which EPZA is negotiating tax relief to make it a viable project,” Cheema said.

He said EPZA had very recently redefined its position and introduced a new slogan ‘From Only Karachi to Along with Karachi’. In line with this objective, he said the Gujranwala zone had been inaugurated to foster export culture in the city, which is expected to boost exports by $500 million.

He maintained that EPZA had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company to establish an export processing zone initially on an area of 200 acres in the industrial city.

He said Tuwairqi Steel Mills Export Processing Zone, after inauguration in January 2013, had started full-scale commercial production with exports projected at $380 million.

“Despite an unfavourable and challenging global environment, in the first seven months of the current financial year, investors in export processing zones made exports worth $486 million and contributed Rs476 million in presumptive tax to the national exchequer,” he said, adding in fiscal year 2013, 24 new units were approved, which will bring investment of $19.483 million and boost exports to $1 billion, double from the present value.

In order to attract foreign investment, EPZA is in close liaison with commercial counsellors of Pakistan in different countries. For this purpose, it translated its promotional material in many languages for effective communication of its incentives and facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 5th, 2013. 

Like Business on Facebook to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>As power shortfall increases, so do outages</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/557808/as-power-shortfall-increases-so-do-outages</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/557808/as-power-shortfall-increases-so-do-outages#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 13 11:20:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=557808</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ministry of Water and Power fails to implement its plan for equal electricity loadshedding across Pakistan.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As the power shortfall increases across the country, the Ministry of Water and Power failed to implement its plan for equal electricity load-shedding, Express News reported on Sunday.

According to the latest data, the power shortfall increased from 5,000 megawatt (MW) to 5,500MW.

Because of the increased demand for electricity, power companies have raised the number of loadshedding hours by two to three hours.

Earlier, the caretaker government had also released funds worth billions to control the power crisis.

A recent online survey conducted by The Express Tribune revealed that a vast majority of areas are facing more than 10 hours of load shedding daily.

Data from the research, compiled by provinces, shows that the worst hit consumers reside in Punjab. Of the 870 respondents from Punjab, 91% reported facing up to 10 hours of load-shedding daily, while  5% reported that they faced 6 to 10 hours of electricity outage each day.]]>
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			<title>Power outages: Transporters, traders stage strike</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555891/power-outages-transporters-traders-stage-strike</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555891/power-outages-transporters-traders-stage-strike#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 May 13 04:29:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=555891</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Major highways linking province to the rest of the country blocked.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Public transporters and traders staged a successful strike against the crippling power cuts in major parts of Balochistan on Tuesday on the directives of the Zamindar Action Committee.


The main highways connecting Balochistan to other cities in the province and other provinces were blocked, including Kadkocha Highway connecting Karachi to Quetta and Dasht Highway connecting Sibi to Quetta. Kalat Highway, Quetta-Chaman Highway and Quetta-Ziarat Highway was also blocked by protesters.

The strike against chronic and unscheduled load-shedding was observed in Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Kharan, Dasht, Naushki, Sorab, Bolan, Kanak and other areas of the province. Public transport vehicles ground to a halt as a result.

Speaking to the media, central leader of the Zamindar Action Committee Aziz Mughal said the protests would continue against Water and Power Development Authority officials for adopting an ‘anti-farmers policy’.

Chairman Agha Taj Mohammad said the ministry of water and power had reduced the electricity quota for Balochistan and farmers were being provided electricity to operate their tube wells for only two hours.

“We had knocked on the doors of the caretaker chief minister of Balochistan and the ministry of water and power all in vain,” he said.

He said farmers were struggling to make ends meet and many were facing bankruptcy as they were unable to grow crops to earn a living.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Power crisis doesn't let me sleep at night: Nawaz</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555455/power-crisis-doesnt-let-me-sleep-at-night-nawaz</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555455/power-crisis-doesnt-let-me-sleep-at-night-nawaz#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 May 13 08:41:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=555455</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nawaz urges the nation to be patient and not expect miracles overnight.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Nawaz Sharif spoke extensively about the energy crisis in his speech on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer being observed in Pakistan.

Nawaz, who was the prime minister when Pakistan first responded to India’s nuclear tests in 1998, focused on the rampant energy crisis in the country in his speech.

“What would others say? That a nation with nuclear capabilities has no electricity?” he asked.

The PML-N Chief said the energy crisis does not let him sleep at night and he plans to do his best to address this issue.

Read: Power play: Nawaz sets energy plan in motion

Nawaz urged the nation to be patient and not expect miracles overnight as the process of ending load-shedding across the country requires billions in investment.

"We could set up coal based plants in Karachi, however this too will take a lot of time. Rest assured that I will work day and night to solve our problems" advised Nawaz.

'Economic bomb'

Speaking of unemployment and poverty, Nawaz hoped that these problems would be a thing of the past once his reforms are implemented.

“I brought the nuclear bomb in my last tenure, this time an economic bomb will explode”, said Nawaz enthusiastically.

He encouraged overseas Pakistanis and foreign investors to invest in Pakistan as it would help the economy.

Shedding light on a recent official visit by Chinese PM Li Keqiang, Nawaz said that Pakistan and China had great plans in the pipelines, and if approved, the state of Pakistan will change.

He finished his speech by praying for the prosperity of Pakistan and its people.

Youm-e-Takbir is celebrated across the country today. In 1998, Pakistan had conducted nuclear tests at Chaghi, Balochistan in response to five nuclear explosions conducted by India, to become the seventh country in the world to possess nuclear weapons.]]>
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			<title>Power protests: Supreme Court inquires into distribution of electricity</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555353/power-protests-supreme-court-inquires-into-distribution-of-electricity</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555353/power-protests-supreme-court-inquires-into-distribution-of-electricity#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 May 13 04:46:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=555353</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PEPCO, NTDC involved in cases pertaining to acute shortage of power in the country.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to managing directors of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) to appear in person and submit a report regarding the distribution of electricity in view of the order dated May 21, 2013.


The companies are involved in cases pertaining to acute shortage of power in the country, which may be caused by inefficient distribution.

The hearing has been fixed for May 31. In today’s proceedings, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, “If the order has not been complied with the letter and spirit, explanation should be furnished as to why the action, in accordance with the law, may not be initiated against the responsible functionaries.”



The court wrote in its order: “We are of the opinion
that whatever electricity is generated, it should be distributed equally amongst consumers, both domestic and industrial, so no one
can raise objection on the basis of discrimination.”

However, notwithstanding the above order, reports of public protests are pouring in the print and electronic media owing to prolonged hours of load-shedding.

Notices were issued in pursuance of office note carrying the details that the Court Order dated May 21, wherein the managing directors, PEPCO and NTDC assured the Court that arrangements have been made for supply of furnace oil and as a result, the system has started generating electricity. Furthermore, they said that adequate steps will be taken in the near future for further increase in the generation capacity.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Survey: Most citizens report over 10 hours of load-shedding</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555348/most-citizens-report-over-10-hours-of-load-shedding</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555348/most-citizens-report-over-10-hours-of-load-shedding#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 May 13 04:30:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=555348</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Online survey reveals electricity crisis worst in Punjab.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With a sweltering heat wave engulfing the country, a recent online survey conducted by The Express Tribune has revealed that a vast majority of areas are facing more than 10 hours of load shedding daily.


Data from the research, compiled by provinces, shows that the worst hit consumers reside in Punjab. Of the 870 respondents from Punjab, 91% reported facing up to 10 hours of load-shedding daily, while  5% reported that they faced 6 to 10 hours of electricity outage each day.

People living in large cities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan follow as close seconds to Punjab with 76% of respondents from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reporting load-shedding of more than 10 hours daily, followed by residents of Balochistan where 74% people are braving the summer season with 10 hours or more of electricity outages.

Surprisingly, and contrary to public perception, the federal capital has not been spared the brunt of load-shedding either with 79% people saying they faced 6 or more hours of load-shedding daily. 46% of those living in Islamabad reported that they did not have electricity for more than 10 hours daily.

The province where the electricity crisis seems to be in control is Sindh. Only 39% people in the province report that they had load-shedding for more than 10 hours. Indeed, unlike other provinces, 18% of people in Sindh also report that in their areas, load-shedding is less than one hour daily.

A total of 1,898 people have participated in this internet based survey with 870 from Punjab, 622 from Sindh, 124 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 213 from Islamabad and 69 from Balochistan.



Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Power play: Nawaz sets energy plan in motion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555397/power-play-nawaz-sets-energy-plan-in-motion</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555397/power-play-nawaz-sets-energy-plan-in-motion#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 May 13 22:14:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[farooq.tirmizi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=555397</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PML-N leadership meet CEOs of power companies, looking for new management of state-owned firms.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Across the country, the smart-phones of high-ranking engineers and energy sector corporate executives are buzzing with e-mails, texts or phone calls, all emanating from one place: Raiwind. All of them are getting the same message: the prime minister-elect would like to interview you to be part of the team to revamp the state-owned part of the energy sector.


Even before he has been formally sworn in as prime minister, Nawaz Sharif and his team appear to have begun to implement what appears to be a highly detailed plan to solve Pakistan’s energy crisis, according to sources familiar with the matter. The victorious Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz has a week-by-week plan on measures that their government will take in trying to fulfill their single biggest electoral promise: getting the lights back on.

“The new government is going to be ruthless in its management of all the public-sector energy companies,” said Zafar Iqbal Sobani, who was CEO of Hub Power Company until a couple of weeks ago. “Expect to see many people summarily fired from these organisations as well as the ministry of water and power. After all, if he is seen as removing incompetent management of the power sector, who will complain?”

The PML-N appears to have done its homework with respect to the power sector. Over the past week, the party’s senior leadership has met with the CEOs of virtually all privately owned power generation companies in a bid to gauge the exact levels of circular debt in the energy sector.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Nawaz is not simply asking them how much they have stuck in circular debt: he is matching their figures against numbers that the party has collected from other sources, suggesting a degree of thoroughness in research.

“Circular debt is currently in the range of Rs500 billion. If the government can get that down by even 60-70% with a long-term loan from Saudi Arabia or even by issuing treasury bonds, that should be enough to get about 3,000 megawatts of idle power generation capacity back online, which would reduce loadshedding by half,” said Sobani. “That would fulfill the immediate campaign promise to reduce power outages while also buying time to put in place long-term reforms.”

The headhunting for new management of the state-owned power generation and distribution companies is one element of that multi-stage strategy.

In the first stage, the Nawaz government will just want to get the power plants going, all of them, regardless of their levels of efficiency, just to get the confidence of the people in their plan.

In the second stage, the state-owned power companies will get new management teams, and will see a wholesale sacking of large segments of their staff. The new managements will crack down on things like fuel theft and supplying electricity to people who have not paid their bills, as well as power theft. They are expected to invest in improving the efficiency of the machinery by conducting long-neglected repairs.

The idea behind this phase, expected to last between six months and a year, is to get the power sector as it currently exists to perform at maximum efficiency to reduce circular debt accumulation and the need for subsidies.

Having thus built up its credibility, the Nawaz administration is then expected to launch the third phase to further reduce the need for subsidies: increasing power tariffs while simultaneously investing in cheaper sources of electricity. State-owned power companies are expected to invest in hydroelectric power generation, in the hopes of spurring more private sector firms to set up run-of-the-river hydropower plants.

Private sector companies will likely be pressured to invest in converting away from their oil-fired power plants to coal-fired turbines. First in line for coal conversion is likely to be the Nishat Group-owned AES Lalpir.

This phase is expected to last between two-and-a-half and three years. The financing for this phase is likely to come from the Chinese engineering and construction companies that will likely get the contracts for the coal-conversions. “Western firms, and western finance institutions no longer finance coal-fired power plants owing to their negative environmental impact,” said Sobani.

In the final stage, the Nawaz administration is expected to seal the benefits of this proposed transformation by privatising what they hope by then will be a highly profitable state-owned energy sector. The removal of state ownership is hoped to remove the temptation for future governments from trying to implement populist measures at the expense of the energy sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Some respite: KESC says there will be no ‘extra’ power cuts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555213/some-respite-kesc-says-there-will-be-no-extra-power-cuts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555213/some-respite-kesc-says-there-will-be-no-extra-power-cuts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 May 13 21:24:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=555213</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Power utility assured Governor Sindh that there would be no additional load-shedding in Karachi after midnight.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[After a meeting between Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) and Sui Southern Gas Company, the power utility has assured Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan that there would be no additional load-shedding in Karachi after midnight and industrial areas would get an uninterrupted supply of power.


The spokesperson for Governor House said the issue regarding payment between power utility and gas company has been resolved. The power utility owed SSGC money over which the gas utility had cut supply to it. “Now, the electricity will be supplied without any extra stoppage and only normal load-shedding would continue as scheduled,” he said, adding that SSGC has assured to bump up gas supply to the power utility to 200 MMFC per day.

This decision was made during a meeting held at the Governor House on Monday.



Sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune that KESC and SSGC officials exchanged hot words over the issue of payment, but the governor intervened. “KESC officials have assured that industrial areas would be exempted from load-shedding. This means power supply will be back to normal.”

Earlier on in the day, KESC approached the Sindh High Court with a request to restrain SSGC from disconnecting its gas supply. The officials informed that the power utility had been served with a notice on May 24, saying its dues had gone up to Rs47 billion.

In their plea, the KESC officials contended that currently the utility was receiving 170 MMCFD gas against 276 MMCFD promised to it. “The high court has already passed an order directing the SSGC not to supply gas less than 270 MMCFD to the petitioner. So, disconnecting supply wound amount to committing contempt,” they contended in the plea, which is likely to come up for hearing today (Tuesday).

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013]]>
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			<title>Sindh's gas share being stolen: MQM</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555013/mqm-demands-national-approach-to-solving-electricity-water-crisis-in-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/555013/mqm-demands-national-approach-to-solving-electricity-water-crisis-in-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 May 13 13:56:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=555013</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says the dispute between KESC and SSGC could be resolved through better financial management.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Coordination Committee said on Monday that a national approach needs to be adopted in resolving the power and water crisis in Karachi, Express News reported. 

Member of the MQM Coordination Committee Haider Abbas Rizvi alleged an artificial power crisis was being created to cover up for the fact that most of the gas reserves of Sindh were being transferred to the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).

Rizvi said the financial discrepancies between Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) had occurred way in the past and could easily be resolved through better financial management. Why was gas supply being reduced in the hottest months of the year, he asked.

The MQM leader said that residents of Karachi were already victims of loadshedding and were facing the now facing the resultant water shortage despite being regular tax-payers. He added that making Karachiites suffer would only be detrimental to Pakistan's economy in the long-run.

Rizvi added that the MQM is willing to assist the government in resolving the power crisis of Karachi]]>
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			<title>Fixing power crisis: Caretaker government orders release of Rs10b</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554976/fixing-power-crisis-caretaker-government-orders-release-of-rs10b</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554976/fixing-power-crisis-caretaker-government-orders-release-of-rs10b#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 May 13 08:09:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554976</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Experts warn there could be even longer power outages in the near future unless the government acts.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The caretaker government has ordered release of funds worth Rs10 billion to control the ongoing power crisis, Express News reported on Monday.

The move comes just a week after the interim setup told the Finance Ministry to release Rs22 billion for the same purpose.

As summer arrived, power outages across the country soared, with many places experiencing power cuts for as long as 20 hours a day. Adding to the problem, Pakistan has experienced record high temperatures over the last week.

According to recent data, the power shortfall has crossed 6,500 megawatts.

The total demand for power is 15,700 megawatts, whereas around 9,000s megawatt energy is produced only.

It has also been reported that power stations are currently producing energy well below their capacity.

Experts had warned that there could be even longer power outages in the near future due to the non availability of oil for independent power plants unless the government acts.

These power plants need 32,000 tonnes of oil a day to operate at full capacity, but currently receive less then 20,000 tonnes.

WAPDA exempts Mirpur from load shedding 

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) issued notification, exempting Mirpur from load shedding, Express News reported.

The order came after the residents of the area protested against power outages.]]>
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			<title>Where is my electricity? Gone with the Guddu Thermal Power Station collapse</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554632/where-is-my-electricity-gone-with-the-guddu-thermal-power-station-collapse</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554632/where-is-my-electricity-gone-with-the-guddu-thermal-power-station-collapse#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 May 13 11:40:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sarfaraz.memon]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554632</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Power supply to most cities and towns of Upper Sindh, Balochistan and parts of Punjab disrupted.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Power supply to most of the cities and towns of Upper Sindh, Balochistan and some parts of Punjab was disrupted on Sunday morning, due to tripping of all units of the Guddu Thermal Power Station.

According to reports, today at about 8:10 am power supply to most of the cities and towns of Upper Sindh including, Sukkur, Rohri, Pano Akil and Ghotki, Mirpur Mathelo, along with all of Balochistan and some parts of Punjab was disrupted due to the Guddu Thermal Power Station breakdown.

At different control rooms of the power station, officials expressed ignorance about the nature of the massive fault and said that all senior staff is busy in rectifying the situation.

Resident Engineer Arshad Arain talking to The Express Tribune blamed overloading for the tripping of all the units.

This is the second time the power station has broken down this week. A major fault developed in Guddu Thermal Power Station on Thursday due to which all 13 units of the station tripped.

The power crisis has worsened in the last week, as cities and rural areas alike plunged into darkness after four power plants tripped due to overload. Believe it or not this was the good news, as the tripping of the power plants avoided the near-collapse of the National Grid System, similar to the one that took place on February 24.]]>
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			<title>Augmenting misery: At the peak of summer, power outages worsen water shortage</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554471/augmenting-misery-at-the-peak-of-summer-power-outages-worsen-water-shortage</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554471/augmenting-misery-at-the-peak-of-summer-power-outages-worsen-water-shortage#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 May 13 05:34:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Danish Hussain]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554471</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CDA chief says situation to improve in two, three days.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[At the height of the summer season, scarcity of water, exacerbated by prolonged power outages, has come back to haunt the capital’s residents.


Though the population is growing at an exponential rate, the capital’s civic agency has done little to increase water supply to keep pace with rising demand. The capital’s population is 1.757 million at present which is likely to increase to 4.443 million in 2050, according to Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) website.

In Islamabad, the main source of water are the reservoirs built at Simly and Khanpur dams and a network of around 188 tube wells, out of which some 40 are out of order, as aquifers in the capital territory are shallow and scattered.

A peak cumulative water production from these three sources is 84 million gallons per day (MGD), which drops to 50-60 MGD during summer season. CDA estimates the average demand to be 176 MGD, while a shortage of 106 MGD, confronts residents most of the year.

Islamabad faces a major crunch during summer and pre-monsoon seasons, when water is rationed, people throng complaint centres and clamour for water tankers, a facility CDA cannot provide in most cases. People in Rawalpindi city and cantonment suffer in equal measure as they depend on Rawal Lake and share the water supply from Khanpur Dam.

Current water supply

A senior official of the CDA water management wing said they were currently drawing 23 MGD water from Simly Dam and five MGD from Khanpur Dam. Simly Dam has an optimum storage capacity of 2,315 feet above sea level. CDA draws around 26-28 MGD from tube wells but due to load shedding it has been reduced to 16-18 MGD.

Water-scarce sectors

There is currently no shortage in areas where the water is supplied from Simly and Khanpur dams. H and I sectors, which solely depend on tube wells, are the worst hit. Water to residents of these sectors is supplied through water tankers.

CDA has a fleet of 38 water tankers but 15 of them are either not roadworthy or out of order. The remaining 23 are not in good condition. CDA’s inquiry offices in both sectors collectively receive over 1,100 complaints a day, most of which are unaddressed.

CDA Chairman Tahir Shahbaz, while talking to The Express Tribune said, “I’ve directed the finance wing to prepare a summary for purchase of generators, which will be installed at tube wells at an emergency meeting at CDA Headquarters.” Additionally, CDA Member Finance has approved the immediate release of Rs6 million for maintenance of tankers.

The situation aggravated due to prolonged load shedding, but owing to these steps the situation would improve within two to three days, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Mass misery: No respite – IESCO as helpless as citizens</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554100/mass-misery-no-respite-iesco-as-helpless-as-citizens</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554100/mass-misery-no-respite-iesco-as-helpless-as-citizens#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 May 13 04:51:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554100</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Chronic power outages halt routine life in Rawalpindi.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Constant unscheduled load-shedding, hitting 16 hours a day, has brought everyday life to a standstill in the garrison city.


The prolonged power outages have made people’s lives miserable with the scorching May heat and deadly mosquitoes.

Businesses specifically dependant on electricity are equally adversely affected with backup power systems unable to cope with the outages.

“We are forced to spend sleepless nights outside our homes, on rooftops and terraces, constantly being bitten by mosquitoes,” said Asif, a resident of Chaklala Scheme III.



The residents of Rawalpindi and adjoining areas said the government is tormenting the public both physically and mentally through so many hours of load-shedding, adding that the situation was never this bad.

“I have to work all day but could not sleep at night due to power cuts,” said Sultan, a daily wager. He said he did not know what he would do during the peak season in June and July.

“The government should take immediate measures to overcome the crisis as it is making people mentally sick,” he added.

“We are regular bill payers despite having no electricity most of the day. Even then the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) is sending inflated bills which is completely unjust,” said Waseem, a resident of Khanna Pul. He further said that before the timings use to be set and scheduled but now it is completely haphazard and random, with electricity disappearing for even eight to 10 hours at a stretch.



With the rise in mercury level and increase in duration of load shedding, water shortage has hit the city’s residents hard, adding to their woes. The residents complained against officials of Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) for making excuses whenever they are called for sending a water tanker as tube-wells could not be operated due to power outages and low voltage.

Students having their intermediate exams are also suffering at the hands of load-shedding with many taking hand fans with them into the examination halls as there is rarely any electricity during the exam.

“It is impossible to study and prepare for examination properly due to extreme power outages and unbearable heat,” said Zalaan Ahmad, an intermediate student.

Students also complained about unavailability of water in the examination halls, saying they are forced to drink hot and contaminated water from the water tanks. “The education department should at least ask the IESCO to exempt halls from power outages,” demanded students.

An operator at IESCO complaint cell, who refused to identify himself, said he was flooded with complaints daily. “What can I do? I cannot solve their problem,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Mass agitation: Protests against power outages</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554430/mass-agitation-protests-against-power-outages</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554430/mass-agitation-protests-against-power-outages#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 May 13 02:31:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554430</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[urewala police said a case had been registered against 34 nominated and 200 unidentified protesters.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A series of protests were carried out by the residents of Burewala on Saturday against daily load shedding of up to 22 hours. Protests were staged in seven areas of the city including Arif Colony, Habib Colony, and Masoom Shah Colony. 

At Samma Satta junction, the protestors blocked the railway track and 12 people were injured including an SHO when police and the protestors clashed. Burewala police said a case had been registered against 34 nominated and 200 unidentified protesters for attacking and burning government property.

Doctors at Burewala tehsil headquarters hospital told The Express Tribune that two of the six police officials were in critical condition. Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) has been facing a short fall of 1,600 megawatts whereas the Mepco’s total production capacity is 1,300 to 1,400 megawatts.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2013. ]]>
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			<title>YDA General Council: Doctors to discuss load shedding</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554441/yda-general-council-doctors-to-discuss-load-shedding</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554441/yda-general-council-doctors-to-discuss-load-shedding#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 13 21:27:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554441</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The meeting will be held on Sunday to discuss the situation at public hospitals.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Young Doctors Association (YDA) Punjab has called a general council meeting at the Lahore General Hospital on Sunday to discuss the situation at public hospitals due to long power outages and pending service structure issues.


Load shedding at hospitals is delaying operations on a daily basis, thus denying treatment to poor patients, said a YDA office bearer.

“YDA presidents and senior general council members will attend. There are things which need to be resolved and all such matters will be discussed,” said Dr Khurrum Shahzad of the YDA.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>May misery: Load shedding and heat spell continue</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554450/may-misery-load-shedding-and-heat-spell-continue</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554450/may-misery-load-shedding-and-heat-spell-continue#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 13 21:13:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554450</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Supply falls below half of demand, outages of up to 20 hours a day.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Power outages of up to 20 hours per day continued in parts of the city on Saturday, as the supply fell below 50 per cent of demand and temperatures soared to near 50 degrees Celsius.


A spokesperson for the Lahore Electric Supply Company said that demand stood at around 4,500 MW while the company was only getting 2,200 MW from the national grid, leaving a shortfall of 2,300 MW. “With the shortfall at more than 50 per cent of demand, it is hard to manage things and keep load shedding on schedule,” he said.

While parts of the city have been getting one hour of electricity for each hour without, some areas have suffered continuous outages of three to four hours and up to 20 hours of electricity a day, particularly rural areas. Businesses are also hurting due to the lengthy outages while richer neighbourhoods didn’t escape the load shedding either.

“I could not have imagined there would be 20 hours of load shedding in Lahore and that too in posh areas,” said Shahid Ali, a resident of Cantonment. “The days are miserable and the nights are restless. My children are affected, as is my office. I hope the new government can change things. I know they can’t finish load shedding at once but they could at least make it more bearable,” Ali said.

Students at Punjab University held a protest against power outages. “The university hostels have an independent feeder for uninterrupted power supply, but there has been no electricity in the hostels for the last 18 hours,” said Hassan Raza, a student. “The rooms are too hot for studies.”

The national shortfall is still around 7,000 MW, as generation stand at 9,500 MW and demand at over 16,000 MW. Experts warn there could be even longer power outages in the near future due to the non availability of oil for independent power plants unless the government acts.

These power plants need 32,000 tonnes of oil a day to operate at full capacity, but currently receive less then 20,000 tonnes.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Party meeting: PML-Q demands probe into rigging allegations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554451/party-meeting-pml-q-demands-probe-into-rigging-allegations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554451/party-meeting-pml-q-demands-probe-into-rigging-allegations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 13 21:01:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554451</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Will join the opposition at the Centre and in all provinces.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), on Saturday, demanded the formation of a national commission to investigate allegations of vote rigging and address political parties’ reservations within 30 days.


At a party meeting presided over by Senator Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at his residence, several PML-Q leaders, ticket holders and elected parliamentarians from all over the country spoke of rigging. Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, SM Zafar and Dr Khalid Ranjha, too, addressed the meeting.

The party decided to play the role of an effective opposition at the Centre and in all provinces. Most participants were of the view that the party had suffered heavy loss in the elections because of an unpropitious alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party. The participants agreed that independent decisions should be taken in such matters and decided not to ally with the PPP in national or provincial assemblies.

They have decided to restructure the party in each province and assign important responsibilities to sincere and active party workers.

Several parties have expressed reservations over how the general elections were held. A national commission should be formed to respond to their concerns. The election commission should order recounting, re-polling and verification of fingerprints by NADRA wherever required.

“We have evidence of rigging in several constituencies that we will share with the election commission,” said Hussain. He told party leaders to remain in contact with the candidates who had lost due to rigging in their constituencies.

Elahi congratulated the successful candidates and said, “We are not disappointed by the outcome of the elections. Every political party faces trouble now and then.” The PML-Q will continue to play an active role at every level, he said. Anwar Ali Cheema and Ghias Mela had never lost in their constituencies before, he said, their victory was snatched due to rigging.

Mushahid Hussain said, “We have the courage to speak and hear the truth. Today’s gathering is proof that the PML-Q’s popularity has not diminished.” He said the party needed to learn from its mistakes and fix them.

Senator Saeed Mandokhel, Intikhab Khan Chamakni, Haleem Adil Shaikh, Tariq Bashir Cheema, Mir Hamdan Bugti, Zaheeruddin Khan, Ghias Mela, Sardar Khan Kakar, Dr Azeemuddin Lakhvi, Maluna Shabbir and Khalid Nabi also addressed the meeting. Mandokhel said that the PML-Q and Awami National Party had also been blamed for load shedding in Nawaz Sharif’s speeches.

The rigging on May 11 was reminiscent of the rigging in the 1977 elections. The PML-Q’s mandate was stolen in 2013 but the party would not lose heart. It would rather expose those who had come to power with a fake mandate, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Circular debt: Power sector liabilities may cross Rs1 trillion by 2014</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554370/circular-debt-power-sector-liabilities-may-cross-rs1-trillion-by-2014</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554370/circular-debt-power-sector-liabilities-may-cross-rs1-trillion-by-2014#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 13 19:12:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zafar.bhutta]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554370</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Incoming govt faces a series of tough choices in order to resolve the energy crisis.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Barring significant and upfront increases in electricity tariffs, the incoming Nawaz administration will face an energy sector debt that is rapidly approaching Rs1 trillion.


According to water and power ministry officials, the existing stock of liabilities in the energy sector is around Rs500 billion, but this number does not include several other liabilities that are about to arise. Among these is approximately Rs200 billion in fuel cost adjustments that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority was not able to approve during the fiscal year that ends June 30, 2013.

The power tariff in Pakistan consists of two components. The first is the base tariff which is supposed to account for the operational and maintenance costs, financial costs and allowed returns on equity for investors in the power sector. The second component is the fuel cost adjustment, which varies from month to month, depending upon average fuel prices and fuel mix of a power producer.

In June 2012, power distribution companies filed petitions with Nepra to allow them to raise tariffs for the higher costs faced during the outgoing fiscal 2012. Under pressure from the previous administration, Nepra refused to take a decision on the matter, leaving those liabilities to pile up during almost the entirety of fiscal 2013. Meanwhile, an additional complication arose when the law ministry term retroactive increases in power tariffs illegal.

But the power companies cannot make their costs go away and will claim that Rs200 billion as part of their next request for tariff adjustments at the start of fiscal 2014.

In addition, Nepra had planned to raise electricity tariffs by an aggregate amount of another Rs200 billion in order to reduce the cost of power subsidies in fiscal 2013. That did not happen and unless the incoming Nawaz administration makes the decision to implement that rise, it will face a massive subsidy bill.

“The new government has no choice: either it will have to charge consumers for two years worth of piled-up liabilities or else it will face a Rs600 billion subsidy bill in its first year in office,” said one person familiar with the matter.



That amount does not include the existing stock of Rs500 billion of circular debt, taking the government’s total liabilities during its first year in office to Rs1.1 trillion.

As the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz prepares to take office, the party leadership is considering energy its top policy priority and is finalising the various components of its plan to tackle the problem. Among the policies under consideration are cutting power supply to Karachi in order to increase supply to Punjab, privatising gas production and distribution companies, and borrowing money from Saudi Arabia to pay all or most of the Rs500 billion in existing circular debt.

The decision to cut power to Karachi would be a problem. The Karachi Electric Supply Company has a contract to buy 650 megawatts from the state-owned National Transmission and Dispatch Company. But if that supply is cut, the Sindh government is likely to retaliate by reducing natural gas supply to Punjab. Sindh produces over 70% of the nation’s gas and, constitutionally, has the right of first use on that gas. PML-N’s rival Pakistan Peoples Party has a majority in the Sindh Assembly.

Sources say that while the PML-N is willing to consider raising tariffs, it also wants to reduce the cost of generating electricity by shifting more power plants to natural gas. In a bid to better manage the natural gas production and distribution, the PML-N is considering privatising the state-owned distribution companies Sui Northern Gas Pipelines and Sui Southern Gas Company as well as the state-owned hydrocarbon producer Oil and Gas Development Corporation.

In addition, the PML-N is considering removing the managing directors of the state-owned power distribution companies, in a bid to improve their efficiency and reduce power theft, particularly in urban area. Theft of power is the single biggest cause of the current power crisis. The PML-N is also considering cutting off power supply to entities that have not paid their bills and only restoring it after installing pre-paid meters.

The PML-N also wants to appoint an adjudicator to resolve the dispute between the power companies and provincial governments. The power companies claim that the provinces owe Rs110 billion in unpaid bills.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2013. 

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			<title>Dark ages: The heat is on, the power is off</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554187/dark-ages-the-heat-is-on-the-power-is-off</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554187/dark-ages-the-heat-is-on-the-power-is-off#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 13 21:59:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=554187</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[When a record heat wave comes amidst a record power crisis, the result is misery.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[It’s the perfect storm, Pakistan style. This Friday was the hottest day Lahore has suffered in the last 29 years, with the temperature shooting up as high as 47 degrees centigrade, a record according to the Pakistan Metrological Department. And on this sweltering Friday, the unlucky city of Lahore also experienced record levels of load-shedding, which lasted for up to twenty hours in some areas.


The power crisis has worsened in the last 48 hours, as cities and rural areas alike plunged into darkness after four power plants tripped due to overload. Believe it or not this was the good news, as the tripping of the power plants avoided the near-collapse of the National Grid System, similar to the one that took place on February 24.

While there are no easy fixes to this problem, despite what politicians may have claimed in their election campaigns, short-term relief is possible if enough money is injected to temporarily resolve the circular debt issue. But even that’s not happening. After making an initial commitment to interim Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso to provide a sum of Rs22.5 billion to the water and power ministry, a defiant Ministry of Finance remains reluctant to release the remaining Rs17.5 billion for fuel purchases.

Currently, power stations are producing energy well below their capacity. Against the public sector’s available installed thermal capacity of 3,580MW, Friday’s production stood at a paltry 1,305MW.

Out of the 11 thermal power plants in the public sector, seven are completely shut down, while the rest of the power plants are not running at even one-third of their capacity due to fuel shortages and technical faults.

Independent Power Plants (IPPs) are also facing production shortfalls. With a generation capacity of 7,687MW, energy production at IPPs is currently at 5,024MW as most of the plants remained closed due to non-availability of fuel.

“In the past 10 days, I ran my plant for five days but only received payment for running it for a day and a half,” complained the Chief Operating Officer of Saif Power Plant Sohail Haidri.

Haidri threatened to shut his plant on Saturday, if the government did not clear his dues.








DESIGN: FAIZAN DAWOOD
Out of 26 IPPs, nine – with an accumulated generation capacity of 1,756MW – are currently shut down, and the rest are operating below capacity. The HUBCO power plant, for example, was producing only 18MW against a capacity of 214MW due to the government’s failure to pay outstanding dues of Rs14 billion.

Furthermore, there was a partial blackout in parts of the country on Thursday with a sudden shortage of 1,377MW from the system. Guddu power plant, Uch power plant, Habibullah Energy Limited and Engro Daharki all tripped on the same day.

The ministry of water and power’s decision to over-stretch the system to get 500MW more electricity caused the problem.

“We avoided a complete breakdown by isolating the problematic areas from the rest of the country,” said Zargham Eshaq Khan, the joint secretary power of the ministry of water and power.

On February 24, when the country plunged into darkness the power shortage due to the system’s trip was 900MW.

The situation remained almost the same on Friday. Cities like Lahore and Faisalabad faced power outages for 18 to 20 hours, while in Islamabad, most areas of the federal capital faced up to 10 hours of load shedding.

However, this is not an out-of-the-blue scenario, officials admit.

“There is no predictability in planning as there hasn’t been effective asset management over the years”, said Khan. “If I bring one plant on the system the other goes out.”

On Friday, average electricity generation stood at 10,200MW while the average demand was 15,000 MW. The breakdown of this is as follows:  hydel generation was 3,144MW, which was 48.8% of the installed capacity. Thermal public sector generation was 1,305MW – just one-third of its installed capacity. IPP generation was 5,024MW, slightly less than two-thirds of the total generation capacity. Nuclear power generation was full at its capacity of 615MW.

The total generation was thus less than two-thirds of the available installed capacity of 16,261MW. Going by the numbers, load shedding in cities should not have been more than ten hours and in rural areas up to 12 hours. That is, if all else was equal. It’s not.

Khan explains the problem like this: Due to non-equitable load shedding, some areas faced the brunt of power shortfall more than others. Load shedding waivers given to hospitals, airports and military installations resulted into power outages in many areas.

Another element that is aggravating power outages, particularly in rural areas, is the corrupt elements in power distribution companies. The second-tier hierarchy in almost all the power distribution companies takes bribes to exempt certain areas from load shedding, according to sources. Where this is not possibly, they at least try and reduce the duration of power cuts.

The Ministry of Water and Power officials admit that they face difficulties in measuring the flow of power towards power distribution companies on a daily basis. “Based on a metering system, we get information after every month, but for load management purposes real time information was not available,” said Khan. He hoped that by June 30 the system would be installed that would allow them to get real time information.

Power protests in Faisalabad

Naturally, all this has an effect on the ground. People fed up with prolonged load-shedding took to the roads in Faisalabad on Friday and staged demonstrations against the Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco).

Zulfiqar Ahmad, a resident of Thikriwala,  said, “We spent all Thursday night without electricity as power went out at about 8.00 pm on May 23 and came back at 5.00 am on May 24.”

Waheed Khaliq Ramay, chairman of the Council of Loom Owners Association (CLOA), led the protest and said that due to unprecedented load shedding, factory owners were unable to operate their units, leaving thousands of workers jobless. The elections may have symbolically empowered the people of Pakistan, but in a very literal sense, they remain powerless.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Hospital waste: No electricity, no incineration</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554131/hospital-waste-no-electricity-no-incineration</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/554131/hospital-waste-no-electricity-no-incineration#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 13 19:57:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The generators cannot supply even all operation theatres.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The lone incinerator used for treating waste produced by public hospitals in the City has not been functioning properly due to power outages, The Express Tribune has learnt.


“Even when the incinerator at the Children’s Hospital runs at full capacity it cannot dispose of all the waste produced by public hospitals,” a doctor at the Children’s Hospital told The Express Tribune.

He said, “For the last few days, the incinerator isn’t running most of the time because of power outages. It’s difficult for the hospital administration to run the operation theatres on generators let alone running an incinerator.”

There are only two incinerators to dispose of hazardous hospital waste in Lahore. The one at Shalimar Hospital is used to deal with private hospitals’ waste.

According to the Environment Protection Department (EDP), public hospitals in Lahore produce five kg waste per patient on average. It says two incinerators are insufficient.

“There are 200 cases pending with the environmental tribunal against hospitals for not disposing of their waste properly, including Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,” said EPD spokesman Naseemur Rehman.“We have fined many hospitals for not complying with Hospital Waste Management Rules 2005,” he added. Rehman said it was important for hospitals to dispose of waste properly or else it could spread several infectious diseases including hepatitis.

Sterilisation at teaching hospitals in the City is also not being done properly due to the massive load shedding.

“Autoclaves that run on gas are functional but even gas load shedding is taking its toll. Electric autoclaves aren’t running for the last several weeks delaying several important operations,” said a doctor at Mayo Hospital.

“The lives of patients as well as those of doctors performing the surgery are at risk if medical equipment is not properly sterilised. They are prone to contracting disease,” he said.

Young Doctors Association (YDA) leader Dr Salman Kazmi said hospital administrations were also to blame for mismanagement.

“In 2008, Shahbaz Sharif gave Rs4 billion for the installation of air conditioners at public hospitals. Half of those are now out of order now simply because there is no maintenance and repair department at these hospitals,” he said.“The hospital administration can definitely run the affairs better…it’s about making an effort and having a vision.” Kazmi said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Unending load-shedding: Senate panel recommends end to exemptions for elite</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553997/unending-load-shedding-senate-panel-recommends-end-to-exemptions-for-elite</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553997/unending-load-shedding-senate-panel-recommends-end-to-exemptions-for-elite#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 13 19:55:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zafar.bhutta]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=553997</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Committee on water and power says even Presidency, PM House should face power cuts.]]>
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				<![CDATA[With no end in sight to the crippling power crisis, a parliamentary panel has recommended ending the exemption of load-shedding to the elite of the country, including the Presidency, Prime Minister’s House and the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad.


The Senate Standing Committee on Water and Power meeting on Friday with Senator Zahid Khan in the chair voiced grave concerns over the prolonged power outages in the country and called for uniform load-shedding across the country.

“Only hospitals and sensitive military installations should be exempted from load-shedding and exemption of load-shedding should be ended for the President House, Prime Minister’s House, Parliament House, Supreme Court, judges colony, ministers enclave and the diplomatic enclave,” the standing committee said.



It also recommended stopping the recovery of fuel adjustment surcharge of the last eight months from consumers. Chairman Hussain asked the consumers to not pay their bills if power companies recover the additional amount on account of fuel adjustment for the last eight months.

The committee asked the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to let the new government deal with the matter and recommended halting 650 megawatts (MW) of power supply to Karachi Electric Supply Company immediately to add it to the national grid.

The water and power ministry officials informed the Senate body that the worst of the current crisis would continue till May 29 due to the lack of funds to purchase fuel to operate power plants.

The officials said the finance ministry was not cooperating to release the funds to purchase fuel.

“We held certain meetings with the finance ministry which has agreed now to provide Rs10 billion on May 28,” an official said.

The current power generation stands at 9,718MW, while demand is 15,000MW, creating a shortfall of 5,282MW.

Ministry officials said a load-shedding schedule was given to each power distribution company (DISCO), but companies were drawing more power from their share which forced the National Power Control Centre to halt power supply to safeguard grid stations.

Secretary Water and Power Anwar Ahmad informed the committee that roughly Rs3.5 billion was need on a daily basis to generate the required power. He said that independent power plants could be powered by coal in 18 months. He said efficient power plants were receiving incentives the world over to generate maximum power but in Pakistan, those power plants generating less power were getting incentives.

Ahmad claimed power plants in Pakistan were old and were consuming more fuel than plants operating in India and Bangladesh. “These plants have been installed in Pakistan after painting,” he said, adding that no energy efficiency audit of these plants had been conducted so far.

Standing committee member Shahi Syed said ordinary people were suffering from the prolonged power crisis, whereas the management of KESC was minting million of rupees from consumers.

The parliamentary panel said the monitoring system of the power sector had failed because officials of departments working under the Ministry of Water and Power were providing different statements. Ahmad also admitted that the monitoring system had failed, however he said the water and power ministry was signing performance agreements with DISCOs to improve their performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25th, 2013.

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			<title>Pakistan should consider IMF deal after reforms in place: Sartaj Aziz</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553920/pakistan-should-consider-imf-deal-after-reforms-in-place-sartaj-aziz</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553920/pakistan-should-consider-imf-deal-after-reforms-in-place-sartaj-aziz#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 13 15:47:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=553920</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former finance minister says at this point IMF will push conditions which would not let Pakistan grow.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan's new leadership expects first results of its planned steps to shore up its finances and ease a power crisis in two or three months and only then should decide whether and on what terms to seek an IMF bailout, senior policy adviser and former federal finance minister Sartaj Aziz said on Friday.

Most economists, lenders and rating agencies say that the nation's finances have reached such a critical stage that a deal with the International Monetary Fund will be necessary and the sooner it comes the better.

But  Aziz, 84, who has been advising incoming Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and is expected to take over as his chief economic and foreign policy adviser when the new government is sworn in coming days, said a deal with the IMF now would be self-defeating.

"Right now, you can't reach an agreement with the IMF because the kind of conditions they would impose on you would not allow you to grow," said Aziz, who served as finance and foreign minister in Sharif's two previous cabinets in the 1990s.

"But if our economic revival package starts working in two months, three months' time, and it is clear that exports are picking up, our revenues are going up, then you need much less adjustment than indicated by the present situation."

The Asian Development Bank, one of Pakistan's major lenders, estimates it will need $6 billion to $9 billion to meet its obligations, including about $5 billion in outstanding debt on an earlier $11 billion IMF package suspended in 2011.

But Aziz said those needs may prove smaller if the economy responded to new policies.

"We may have to go to the IMF, but if we go with the revived economy then probably all we will need is a loan to cover the repayments," he said.

Aziz said talks with the IMF were going on and did not rule out a decision sooner if a thorough review of state finances by the incoming government showed that the situation was more serious than thought.

Sharif, toppled by the military 14 years ago, swept back to power in a landmark May 11 election that marked the first transfer of power between civilian governments in Pakistan's 66-year history, about half of which has been spent under military rule.

Nearly broke

That, combined with a strong voter turnout and a clear majority captured by Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), raised hopes for economic revival and greater stability.

But he takes over a country that is almost broke, plagued by a Taliban insurgency and sectarian violence, crippling power cuts and a growing army of unemployed.

The nuclear-armed country of 180 million, the world's sixth most populous, has long been an economic underachiever, habitually relying on aid from international partners concerned about its strategic importance.

Aziz, who led work on the PLM-N's policy manifesto, said the new cabinet would tackle in its first 100 days the most pressing challenges of power shortages and financial hemorrhage with a series of steps to cut waste and improve efficiency.

Aziz said tackling inefficiencies, clamping down on those who don't pay bills, should help squeeze 10-12 percent more energy from the existing system, and the Pakistani people, some of whom have no electricity for 20 hours a day, should feel the difference in coming weeks.

On the budget side, the government will overhaul loss-making state firms by installing managers with private sector credentials, tighten tax collection by building computerised databases and freeze hiring by government agencies, Aziz said.

But he suggested the new administration had little appetite for quick, but painful fixes prescribed by the IMF and others - an increase in electricity tariffs and subsidy cuts and abolition of special tax exemptions granted to well-connected businesses and individuals.

Asked what concrete steps would follow Sharif's declared intention to improve ties with India strained by a long-standing dispute over the Kashmir region, Aziz brought as examples relaxation of visa requirements, removal of non-tariff barriers and the better integration of energy systems.

Asked what concrete steps the new government would take to improve Pakistan's security, essential to boost its investment appeal, Aziz acknowledged there was no blueprint.

"The problem is that security and foreign policy are not entirely under our control. Economic vision is under our control so we can spell it out, but what happens to Afghanistan after the Americans withdraw in 2014 also plays a role."]]>
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			<title>US ambassador, Indian high commissioner meet Nawaz</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553836/us-ambassador-indian-high-commissioner-meet-nawaz</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553836/us-ambassador-indian-high-commissioner-meet-nawaz#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 13 08:15:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=553836</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nawaz had earlier met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[American Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson and Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal met Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif on Friday, Express News reported.

Nawaz is expected to be the next prime minister of Pakistan after his party emerged as the victor in the May 11 elections. PML-N managed to win 125 out of total 272 National Assembly seats.

Earlier on May 23, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met Nawaz and vowed to provide assistance in overcoming the Pakistan’s worsening power crisis.

British High Commissioner Adam Thomson on May 18 met Nawaz in Raiwind and congratulated him for winning the elections.

Apart for international leaders, the PML-N chief recently met President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani and discussed national issues.

Olson visits Imran Khan

American Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson visited Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan at Zaman Park, Lahore,

While talking to the media after the visit, Olson said that the voter turnout rate in the 2013 general elections was far more than the previous elections.

He further revealed that matters concerning the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were discussed during the visit.]]>
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			<title>The dark ages: Water &amp; power minister blasts finance ministry</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553711/the-dark-ages-water-power-minister-blasts-finance-ministry</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/553711/the-dark-ages-water-power-minister-blasts-finance-ministry#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 13 05:07:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=553711</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says energy crisis could be solved in 30 months approved amount is disbursed.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As Pakistan’s power crisis deepens, Minister for Water and Power Musadiq Malik has flatly accused the finance ministry of ‘reluctance’ in releasing the entire amount of funds approved by the prime minister to arrange fuel for power plants.


“Timely payments by the Ministry of Finance are the only solution to overcome the current power outages; however, the ministry is reluctant to release Rs22.5 billion approved by the prime minister,” Malik said, while addressing a press conference on Thursday.

“If I had been aware of how helpless I would be in the release of funds, I would never have accepted the responsibility of water and power minister,” he said, adding that the power production now stands at 10,400mw, while the power shortfall was 5,000mw.

He added that a meeting was held with finance ministry officials over its failure to release funds but they refused to disclose the reason behind the non-disbursement of the much-needed money.

“The finance ministry has released only Rs5 billion, which has been paid to PSO for LC payments,” he said. He said the water and power ministry was running Independent Power Plants (IPPs) from its own resources.

Malik said the power sector required immediate release of funds to provide relief to the masses, and added that there was no doubt that the energy crisis could be solved within 30 months, provided the funding was made available.

“We are not able to produce power because of scarcity of funds and we have to change our priorities to address the energy shortages in the country,” he said, adding that the government should give incentives to private investors for power projects. “If they are not facilitated, the government will have to invest on its own in this sector,” he added.

He said that the government would have to increase generation capacity to 20,000mw, and added that the sale price of power was at Rs9 per unit, despite the Rs13.94 per unit generation cost.  

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2013.]]>
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