Report on energy sector reform launched

The Punjab needed to work in harmony with other provinces to meet its energy requirements, research associate said.

LAHORE:

A report identifying key areas of reform in Pakistan’s energy sector was launched at the Centre for Public Policy and Governance, Forman Christian College, on Friday. Research Associate Shahram Rana presented the salient features of the study, key findings and policy recommendations for the future of Pakistan’s energy sector.

Rana said the study looked at issues in the energy sector in totality: electricity, oil and gas. “The study takes a multi-dimensional view of the energy crisis and recommends specific solutions considering the 18th Amendment into account and the lessons Punjab draws from them.”

Power Planners International Hassan Jafri Zaidi said after the 18th Amendment, provinces have been given the autonomy to invest in the energy sector. The Punjab needed to work in harmony with other provinces to meet its energy requirements, he said.  Last year, Punjab consumed 68 per cent of the country’s oil, gas and electricity while contributing only 21 per cent, he said.

Zaidi also discussed the latest projects which included a 6,000MW power plant that would run on imported coal. He said it could expose the country’s economy to the risk of future price increase.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2014.