Withdrawal of 700 megawatts from KESC system: CCI body fails to evolve consensus

A high level meeting on equitable distribution of electricity, presided over by Minister for Water and Power, Ahmad Mukhtar, has failed to evolve consensus on withdrawal of 700MW of electricity from KESC system, well informed sources told Business Recorder.
The Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Balochistan argued that the federal government must take out 700MW of electricity from KESC system which is being exported from NTDC system meant for three provinces and interior Sindh. However, the meeting agreed on formulation of a model to handover administrative control of power Distribution Companies (Discos) to provincial governments, which will be independent in management of loadshedding.
The provinces in principle agreed to a proposal to invest in mega hydel power generation projects. It was also agreed in principle by the provinces that a percentage would be allocated from the development budget by the provinces for hydel, alternative and coal power projects.
According to an official, the representatives of provincial governments informed the meeting that police force headed by DSP will be deputed in Discos headquarters to help in any matter and to file cases against power theft under the respective company's jurisdiction.
The meeting was also informed regarding arrangement with KESC for priority utilisation of 300MW of idle generation capacity. The meeting was informed that KESC has been asked to ensure generation from all of its plants. The meeting was also given briefing on possible management of Discos by provincial governments, enforcement of draft Electricity Act, 2012, participation of provinces in Thar coal development, conversion of street lights to solar mode and National Energy Conservation Bill.
Minister for Water and Power, Ahmed Mukhtar appreciated the provinces' co-operation and suggestions to resolve this national crisis and stated that the crises would be resolved soon with their support. The meeting of the CCI's Committee on equitable distribution of electricity was held here on Monday under the Chairmanship of Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister for Water and Power. The Committee was attended by chief secretaries of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Balochistan, AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan. Additional Secretary, Fata Secretariat, Peshawar also attended the meeting.
Among others, the meeting was attended by the Secretary Water and Power, Special Secretary Water and Power, Chairman Energy Management Cell, Ministry of Water and Power, MD NTDC/CEO Genco Holding Company, Member Power Wapda, MD PPIB, CEO AEDB and MD Thar Coal Energy Development Board.
Later, the Secretary Water and Power told the meeting that all the recommendations of the committee would be placed in the next meeting of the CCI. A delegation of World Bank headed by Country Director Rachid Benmessaud called on the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Ahmed Mukhtar and briefed him on the Bank's Energy Programme. The Bank informed the minister that it is providing $840 million for Tarbela-IV extension, and $194 million for electricity distribution and transmission improvement programme.
The Bank also plans to finance Dasu Hydropower project phase-I, CASA-100 project, India-Pak power interconnection, natural gas efficiency project and disbursement linked indication. The delegation also briefed the meeting on the projects under preparation and committed to WB's continued support for the energy sector.
Ambassador of South Korean to Pakistan also called on Federal Minister for Water and Power Ahmed Mukhtar and discussed various matters of mutual interest and co-operation in the power sector. The ambassador said that the Korean companies are very keen to invest in hydel power generation. The minister appreciated the keen interest in power generation projects by Korea and sought support for investment in coal and alternative energy projects.