Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Khan Jatoi on Monday directed the KESC to prepare a comprehensive practical plan to solve power crisis in the metropolis. He was chairing a meeting with Wapda and KESC officials on power crisis to review power situation in the city. The Minister took serious notice of worsening power situation in Karachi.
He directed KESC to meet the crisis on war footings either by renting power plant or switching over to diesel power plants. He strongly directed KESC to restore 200 MW from Bin Qasim power plant at the earliest.
Further he directed KESC to paying outstanding dues to Wapda and to work together to meet growing need of electricity. Liaquat said Bin Qasim power plant would be resumed generation of 200 MW by May 25. In addition, Defence Power Plant of 80 MW will soon be operational. He said four diesel plants are being installed and grid stations are being repaired to meet demand of electricity.
He said, however, demand for electricity is increasing as commercial and economic activity is increasing due to policies of present government.
Liaquat said he has taken the decision to increase supply of electricity from 660 MW yesterday at peak hours to 715 MW and supply at arrange will remain at 550 MW.
Liaquat said as soon as Bin Qasim Plant is restored, KESC would have another 200 MW additional electricity. On this occasion, the Minister advised the people of Karachi to conserve electricity. He asked make austere use of electricity at wedding ceremonies.
He pointed out that by switching-off one hundred-watt bulb, the people of Karachi can save 200 MW electricity. The Minister further added that first time in the history of Pakistan 10 agreements have been signed for investment in power generation and supply.
He said that the Minister had signed agreement with Iran worth 380 million dollar, which will fetch another 1000 MW electricity at cheap rate. Transmission lines are being installed in this connection.