Energy crisis: Distribution system being upgraded, says minister

This will ensure uninterrupted power supply, says Sher Ali.


APP July 09, 2014

MULTAN: Minister of State for Water and Power Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali said on Tuesday that the electricity distribution system of the country is being upgraded on an emergency basis in a bid to enhance its capacity and ensure uninterrupted power supply to consumers.

Abid said this while chairing a meeting at the Multan Electric Power Supply (Mepco) head office. The minister issued orders to National Transmission and Dispatch Company Limited (NTDC) authorities to send a 250 MVA power transformer for installation at 220 KV grid station in Bahawalpur and two panels for installation at Kassowal grid station to address low voltage and frequent tripping in South Punjab.

Abid further said that the required equipment be provided to Mepco swiftly. These orders were issued after a detailed briefing by chief executive officer (CEO) Muzaffar Ali Abbasi on Mepco requirements.

“The initiative would provide relief to 5 to 6 million people in South Punjab and areas including Bahawalpur, Chishtian, Haroonabad, Vehari, Sahiwal and others from unscheduled load-shedding by solving problems of frequent breakdowns at 22 grid stations of 132 KV,” Abid said.

“The country has sufficient power generation resources but insufficient capacity of the system is a hurdle in ensuring uninterrupted power supply.”

He added that all the customer complaints he receives on his cell phone are forwarded to CEOs and his team keeps track of the process of resolving consumers’ problems.

He further directed authorities concerned to closely monitor officials for their performance evaluation in different divisions. Mepco CEO informed the minister that over 100 faulty or overloaded transformers have been replaced in the region during the last four days that addressed low voltage and tripping problems.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10th, 2014.

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