K-P moves to activate own electricity grid
Distribution companies were procuring less electricity, which resulted in higher capacity payments, and they failed to justify the low intake at a hearing. photo: file
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan is taking significant steps to enhance the power supply system in the province by pushing for the operationalization of its own transmission and grid company.
During the 17th board meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hydel Development Fund (HDF), Chief Minister Azam Khan emphasized the importance of expediting the appointment of a chief executive officer for this newly established provincial power entity.
He expressed his approval of the provincial government’s decision to establish its transmission and grid company, believing that it would significantly reduce K-P’s reliance on the infrastructure of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). This strategic move aims to improve the power supply system within the province, enhancing its energy autonomy.
The board meeting, attended by key figures including Caretaker Provincial Minister for Finance Ahmed Rasool Bangash, Advisor to CM on Energy and Power Dr. Sarfaraz Ali Shah, Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, Additional Chief Secretary Zubair Asghar Qureshi, administrative secretaries of relevant departments, and other board members, reviewed progress on previous decisions and conditionally approved funding for hydel development projects in the fiscal year 2023-24.
Azam Khan directed immediate action to make recently completed hydropower projects operational. He stressed the need for a feasible strategy in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the swift deployment of these projects.
Highlighting the importance of these investments, he emphasized that the benefits should promptly reach the public, and operationalizing these hydropower stations would not only help alleviate the energy crisis but also boost provincial revenues. Furthermore, he urged relevant authorities to ensure that all ongoing hydropower projects adhere to stipulated timelines. In a notable development earlier this year, the appointment process for the chief executive officer of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transmission and Grid Company (KPT&GC) was finalized.
This marked a historic milestone as the province’s first-ever power distribution company. The provincial government allocated Rs96 million for the establishment of the new company, which includes the appointment of essential staff and the selection of an office building, a decision that will be made soon. During a meeting of the KPT&GC’s board of directors, Chairman Board/Secretary Energy and Power Nisar Ahmad Khan chaired discussions on the progress of the company’s establishment.
Challenges encountered with federal agencies such as NEPRA and NTDC were addressed, and key decisions were made regarding the integration of electricity into the new system. Moreover, the board approved an early notification regarding the company’s establishment and the creation of its administrative structure, with the support of the World Bank.