Nawaz wants larger share for coal, gas in power fuel mix

Prime minister directs energy committee to present comprehensive load management plan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday issued directions to increase the share of coal and gas in the fuel mix for generating electricity in the country, a step that will shift the focus from generating power through furnace oil. 

Chairing the third meeting of Cabinet Committee on Energy at PM House in Islamabad on Monday, Nawaz was informed that almost 1,500 mega watts of power will be added to national grid by the summer of 2015.

During the meeting, prime minister was apprised about the progress made on energy policy.

Nawaz directed the committee to increase the quantum of coal and gas as part of the fuel mix policy to help lower prices of electricity. He also directed the committee to devise a comprehensive load management strategy.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Minister for Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique, Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Asif, Secretary Petroleum Abid Saeed, Secretary Water & Power Mohammad Younus Dagha and other senior officers.