The Ministry of Water and Power on Monday informed the World Bank (WB) that the long-awaited tariff determinations for power distribution companies (Discos) would be ready by November 15, it is learnt.
Sources said that World Bank''s visiting four-member power sector team, which met the officials of the Ministry, conveyed their consent to extend $200 million loan for different power sector projects, including Dadu-Khuzdar transmission line.
The WB mission wanted tariff notifications by October 15 but it has been told that Nepra (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) has completed calculations and was actively engaged in writing of determinations, to be received by the Ministry by the end of current month, sources added.
When asked whether the government would notify the tariff as per Nepra''s determinations, they said that it was a very sensitive issue and would be taken to the Prime Minister for decision involving the most controversial issue of subsidy.
Sources said that the Ministry had directed the Discos to prepare studies of their projects by July for final agreement with the Bank, adding that Joint Secretary Power has been appointed for this purpose.
They said that WB team has also proposed a meeting of Pakistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan in October, but avoided to include Iran in the list which is already supplying power to some border areas of Balochistan.
Sources said that the World Bank team expressed concern over the continuing delaying tactics by the Ministry in meeting the agreed targets, saying that actions were still required to finalise some areas of the plan.