More power sector reforms on the cards

Qamar asks electricity companies to improve performance.

ISLAMABAD:

Water and Power Minister Naveed Qamar has said some reforms have already been introduced in power producing companies and the remaining will be announced shortly.

Chairing a meeting with chairmen of the boards of directors of power distribution companies here on Friday, Qamar said the basic purpose of reforms was to make the power sector more viable, sustainable and efficient.

“The government is committed to ending the power crisis and reforms are being implemented in this regard,” he said.

He asked the boards of directors to monitor the performance of their distribution companies and suggest effective measures to improve efficiency.

He reminded the chairmen and members of the boards of their responsibility to develop a corporate and friendly culture in the companies in order to address consumer complaints properly without any delay.

He asked them to make surprise visits to field offices and also monitor the use of public funds.

He said the ministry would welcome suggestions and recommendations of the boards for improvement in the companies.

Qamar discussed various issues related to operations, recoveries and losses of power companies. The process of hiring new CEOs was also discussed.

Chairmen of the boards raised various matters relating to the proposed structural changes in the present set-up of public sector enterprises. They assured the minister that they would work hard for the betterment of the sector.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2011.