US reaffirms continued support to power sector

Delegation called on power minister to discuss concerns.

ISLAMABAD: A four-member economic team of the US Embassy, led by Economic Counselor Robert Ewing, has on Tuesday reaffirmed the US’ commitment to provide continued support to improve the Pakistani power sector.

The delegation had called on Federal Minister for Water and Power Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar here on Tuesday to discuss various matters of mutual concern. Cooperation in the energy sector was also discussed, with an aim to meet future requirements and make the sector more viable. Matters pertaining to the next meeting of the Pakistan-US Energy Working Group also came under discussion.

The minister, while welcoming the delegation, said the government was working on power sector reforms; rehabilitation and upgradation of generation companies; improvement in the working of distribution companies (DISCOs); power theft control and reduction in line losses introduction of smart metering; and conversion of existing independent power producers to cheaper fuel. He said the US’ energy assistance programme will support Pakistan’s energy sector and increase resources, while strengthening the performance of DISCOs.

The next meeting of the Pakistan-US Energy Working Group is likely to be held here in Islamabad in a couple of months, for which the US delegation urged both countries to prepare a joint agenda for cooperation. It was agreed that a meeting in this regard will be held mid-September.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2012.