Punjab to shift public institutions to solar power

Minister for energy urges public to replace old electrical devices to reduce bills

LAHORE:

Punjab government would replace official electricity connections with solar energy to reduce the electricity bills, Punjab Minister for Energy Dr Muhammad Akhtar Malik said on Tuesday while inaugurating the Electricity Saving Programme at the Lahore General Hospital (LGH).

The energy minister revealed that over 95,000 official electricity connections are currently functional in Punjab, adding that government pays Rs36 billion annually for the utility.

He said that old fans and lights must be replaced in public offices with the modern energy saving devices to end power crisis in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Post Graduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Principal Dr Al-Fareed Zafar briefed the energy minister and said that a large number of fans and lights had been replaced with energy efficient equipment.

“It would save 700 units per hour and Rs110 million per annum in electricity bills. The saved amount would be spent on the treatment of patients at the hospital,” he highlighted.

The principal vowed to undertake all possible steps to enhance the world ranking of LGH and the switch to the new sustainable energy source was a move in the same direction.

He also appealed to the minister to assist in expanding the land area reserved for the hospital.

Responding to it, Dr Akhtar assured the principal that the issue of land provision for Ameeruddin Medical College, nursing college and employees’ residential colonies would be taken up in the Punjab Cabinet and he would play his role in facilitating acquisition.

Moreover, Dr Akhtar announced that a solar system would also be installed at LGH to further reduce the electricity bill of the Institution.

He also appreciated the role of all healthcare institutions in controlling the spread of the pandemic.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2021.