Power protests: Supreme Court inquires into distribution of electricity
PEPCO, NTDC involved in cases pertaining to acute shortage of power in the country.
A file photo of Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to managing directors of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) to appear in person and submit a report regarding the distribution of electricity in view of the order dated May 21, 2013.
The companies are involved in cases pertaining to acute shortage of power in the country, which may be caused by inefficient distribution.
The hearing has been fixed for May 31. In today’s proceedings, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, “If the order has not been complied with the letter and spirit, explanation should be furnished as to why the action, in accordance with the law, may not be initiated against the responsible functionaries.”
The court wrote in its order: “We are of the opinion
that whatever electricity is generated, it should be distributed equally amongst consumers, both domestic and industrial, so no one
can raise objection on the basis of discrimination.”
However, notwithstanding the above order, reports of public protests are pouring in the print and electronic media owing to prolonged hours of load-shedding.
Notices were issued in pursuance of office note carrying the details that the Court Order dated May 21, wherein the managing directors, PEPCO and NTDC assured the Court that arrangements have been made for supply of furnace oil and as a result, the system has started generating electricity. Furthermore, they said that adequate steps will be taken in the near future for further increase in the generation capacity.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.
The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to managing directors of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) to appear in person and submit a report regarding the distribution of electricity in view of the order dated May 21, 2013.
The companies are involved in cases pertaining to acute shortage of power in the country, which may be caused by inefficient distribution.
The hearing has been fixed for May 31. In today’s proceedings, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, “If the order has not been complied with the letter and spirit, explanation should be furnished as to why the action, in accordance with the law, may not be initiated against the responsible functionaries.”
The court wrote in its order: “We are of the opinion
that whatever electricity is generated, it should be distributed equally amongst consumers, both domestic and industrial, so no one
can raise objection on the basis of discrimination.”
However, notwithstanding the above order, reports of public protests are pouring in the print and electronic media owing to prolonged hours of load-shedding.
Notices were issued in pursuance of office note carrying the details that the Court Order dated May 21, wherein the managing directors, PEPCO and NTDC assured the Court that arrangements have been made for supply of furnace oil and as a result, the system has started generating electricity. Furthermore, they said that adequate steps will be taken in the near future for further increase in the generation capacity.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2013.