CCoE refers National Electricity Policy to cabinet

The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) decided on Thursday to refer the National Electricity Policy to the cabinet along with the recommendations, following detailed discussion on its salient features, according to a statement issued by the planning ministry.

The committee met with Planning Minister Asad Umar in the chair, the statement said. The discussion was held on the principle objectives and details of the proposed actions of the policy, aimed at ensuring universal access to electricity through a self-sustainable power sector, it added.

“After detailed discussion and taking into account the observation and suggestions of the representatives of provincial governments, the committee directed the Power Division to incorporate the agreed recommendations and submit the same to the cabinet,” it read.

Earlier, the meeting was informed that the policy was “developed and premised on: optimal utilisation of indigenous resources; integrated planning approach; efficient and liquid market design; and, affordable and environment friendly outcome for the consumers”.

During the meeting, Umar said that decentralisation of approach must be a guiding principle. In addition, he directed the power division to come back in a couple of weeks with proposal, as to “how should we go ahead” and finalise the policy.

“The main focus of the policy is to provide affordable electricity supply to the citizen of Pakistan, generation on lease cost basis and financial viability of sectors through budgetary subsidy and reduction of loses,” Umar said. He assured full cooperation of his ministry to the power division.

The meeting was attended by Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan, Information Minister Shibli Faraz, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Petroleum Nadeem Babar, all the provincial energy secretaries and official of various divisions.

 (WITH INPUT FROM APP)