THURSDAY DECEMBER 27: Maintain power output at optimum level: Prime Minister tells ministries

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has reportedly directed the ministries of finance, water and power and petroleum to ensure optimum thermal power generation during canal closures to meet domestic electricity demand. Sources said that a meeting was convened by the Prime Minister on prevailing energy crisis which was attended by top officials of the three. The meeting also discussed the issue of electricity suspension to the textile industry in Punjab.
Ministries of Water and Power and Petroleum reportedly stated that domestic consumers were their top priority. Dr Asim Hussain was quoted as saying that as per agreement, gas could not be provided to any sector during the 90 days of winter in accordance with requirements.
Ministry of Water and Power has reportedly argued that the power generation has considerably declined due to canal closures for maintenance and there is great problem to even meet the domestic requirement. Sources said that the Finance Divison, which already released the entire budgetary allocation of Rs 170 billion subsidy to the power sector during the first five months of current fiscal year, has been asked to provide required funds for import of fuel so that Thermal Power Plants could be run on full capacity.
According to a statement, adviser to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain called on the Prime Minister and discussed the current energy situation. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed about the overall power situation and arrangements to cope with the impending reduction in power generation. The Prime Minister directed the Adviser to ensure that adequate amount of fuel was provided to thermal power plants so that they could run on full capacity.