550KV transmission line inaugurated

Federal Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan on Thursday inaugurated a 220-kilometre-long 550KV transmission line, enabling the transmission of coal-generated 1,980-megawatt electricity from Tharparkar district to Matiari. Praising the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) for completing the project within three-and-a-half months, Dastgir also commended the cost-saving efforts, which resulted in a savings of Rs1 billion.

During a press conference in Hyderabad prior to the inauguration in Matiari, the minister noted that the PML-N government had allocated Rs21 billion for the project. However, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif granted four months to the NTDC in January to complete this significant project. The coal-generated electricity will be transmitted to Lahore through Matiari.

Dastgir highlighted that due to local manufacturing of cables and pylons, the transmission line was constructed at a cost of Rs20 billion. He lamented the delay in completing the project, which should have been accomplished several years ago, attributing it to the unfortunate circumstances of an "anti-poor and anti-development government" ruling Pakistan at that time.

The minister emphasised that Pakistan has demonstrated to the world that lignite coal from Tharparkar cannot only be used for electricity production but is also cost-effective. He lauded the government organisations involved in the project, stating that they have proven their capability to complete projects on time without external assistance.

He acknowledged the challenging conditions and inflation in the country but affirmed that the government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement will not succumb to adversity. He said, the government will remain committed to nation-building.

Furthermore, the energy minister commended the NTDC, Hyderabad range police, and intelligence agencies for their efforts in curbing theft of materials from transmission lines. He noted that the stolen items were valued at approximately Rs1 billion annually and disrupted electricity supply to certain areas. He expressed satisfaction that serious action has been taken to address this issue.

Regarding the transfer of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company to the Sindh government, Dastgir acknowledged the complexity of the procedure. He mentioned that both companies experience significant financial losses each year, and the provincial government will need to bear that burden after the transfer. The valuation of assets belonging to the two companies also requires assessment, but the energy minister regarded the transfer as a positive step that will take time to complete.

The energy minister clarified that the ongoing load-shedding is not due to a shortage of electricity but rather line losses incurred by distribution companies. He emphasised that the problem can only be resolved when consumers pay their bills, while also acknowledging flaws in the transmission system contributing to the outages.

Prior to the inauguration, the energy minister visited HESCO's head office, where he handed over 15 bucket-mounted vehicles, worth Rs230 million, for the repair of transformers and transmission lines. He expressed optimism that these vehicles would enhance the safety of field workers.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2023.