Plans to make AJK energy independent

Funds allocated to upgrade AJK's power supply system to ensure sufficient power supply.

MIRPUR: An integrated phased plan has been kicked off to make Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) self-sufficient in power generation in the near future, official sources said.

The sources told APP here on Tuesday that funds had already been placed in the AJK budget for the current fiscal year for the uplift of electrification, especially supply lines, and installation of new express feeders and high power transformers in three districts of the division including Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimbher, along with the rest of the state.

The sources continued that the state government was already working on a plan to electrify all the remaining parts of AJK by the end of next year.

The sources added that the government was seriously contemplating laying underground power supply systems in urban areas of the state to ensure the supply of power to consumers in line with modern standards.

They said the old power supply system was being replaced by the latest one which included installation of digital meters and computerized billing system.

Published  in The Express Tribune, January 12^th, 2011.