Reduction in evening peak demand upto 1,100 megawatts

The measures proposed by the Energy Summit have resulted in reduction in evening peak demand upto 1100 MW besides curtailing demand for Saturdays upto 600-800 MW. The Ministry of Water and Power told the meeting, held on Monday to review the implementation of the decisions of the Energy Summit, that reduction of lights up to 50 percent in President''s, PM''s Secretariat, Federal Ministries, Governor, CM Houses, all provincial ministers and government offices and induction of energy savers had been enforced.
Similarly, the decision regarding use of air conditioners by authorised officers only after 11am is also being observed. Five-day a week for government departments and affiliated institutions has also been enforced. The decision to ban commercial decorative lights and staggering of weekly holiday for industry is in the process of implementation.
Decisions regarding supply of power to tubewells, closure of markets and shops at sunset and provision of at least two continuous spells of power supply during day time is largely being implemented. In this regard, modalities have been worked out separately with each market association. Evening marriage halls usage, restricted to three hours during peak hours, is also largely being implemented.
The meeting was informed that unscheduled loadshedding has almost been eliminated. Textile mills and continuous process industries are being provided uninterrupted power and loadshedding of industrial dominated feeders has been reduced by two hours. Furthermore, two spells of four hours each continuous power supply to the commercial consumers is being ensured.
About the financial impact of the saving of 1000 MW, the meeting was informed that it has saved capital costs of around $1.5 billion for this generation, saved transmission and distribution of capital costs of around $500 million, saving of $250 million fuel costs per month, substantial, consequential benefits to industry and the economy.
The meeting was also briefed about short and medium term power generation measures. Directives have been issued and between 10 and 147 mmcfd additional gas is being supplied to the public sector to produce 300-460 MW.
Regarding the early commissioning of 10 IPPs, the meeting was informed that 5 rental, 3 IPPs projects namely Gulf (62 MW), Engro (225 MW), and Saif (225 MW) already achieved commercial operation date (CoD), whereas Orient, Techno Samundari and Nishat are already under trial production and likely to achieve CoD in May 2010.
Similarly, the regular and adequate supply of oil to Gencos is largely achieved. On the point of settlement of circular debt and clearance of outstanding dues, the meeting was informed that Rs 20 billion have been released by the Ministry of Finance on April 28, 2010 and the balance is scheduled to be released by June 30, 2010. Efforts are being made for early recoveries from provincial governments.