Nepra told to make public complaints cell more effective

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has directed the National Electric and Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to make public complaints cell more effective for early redressal of consumers' complaints. The meeting of the Committee was held here on Monday with Dewan Aashiq Bokhari in the chair.
The committee chairman directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Ministry of Water and Power to give a comprehensive briefing on the current power loadshedding. The meeting was informed that at present total installed capacity is over 18,000 Megawatts, while current production is hovering around 11,000-12,000MW.
Nepra officials informed the committee that finances is the major issue for the body to enhance generation. Officials said that power generation from furnace oil is expensive as compared to gas as generation cost by RFO is Rs 17/kwh, from gas Rs 7/kwh while from HSD Rs 20/kwh. They said that hurdles in smooth supply of gas result in less power generation and creates problems' for the consumers.
The Nepra officials gave a comprehensive briefing on the functions of the Authority. During the meeting Standing Committee showed grave concerns regarding public complaint cell which is not facilitating consumers. Legislators said that on certain occasions complaints were registered with Nepra. However, immediate steps were not taken to address the complaints.
To provide cheap electricity to the consumers through alternate sources standing committee asked Nepra to introduce solar power technology and facilitate those companies which want to invest in the sector. Legislative body also asked ministry of petroleum and natural resources and ministry of water and power to ensure their presence during the next meeting for comprehensive discussion over certain issues pertaining to Nepra.
Legislative body asked Nepra officials to submit copies of the agreement between Nepra and power distribution companies and give all details that under which condition these agreements were made. The body also showed its concerns over appointment of Chairman Nepra and said that influential people are appointed as chairman Nepra. They directed officials to give details pertaining to the criteria of appointment of Chairman Nepra.