Prime Minster Shaukat Aziz on Monday asked KESC to ensure that unplanned and unannounced power breakdowns are avoided and electricity demand is managed by adopting energy conservation techniques besides an increase in capacity and power supply by Wapda. He issued these directives while chairing a high level meeting held at Governor House to review power situation in the country.
The Prime Minster pointed out that high growth, enhanced industrial activity and better living standards have created a surge in the energy demand, which is increasing by 9-10 percent per annum.
The government is taking short, medium and long term steps to bridge the gap between demand and supply so as to maintain the growth momentum and save people from inconvenience caused by power breakdowns.
He said that the government is focusing on increased hydel and nuclear capacity in the power sector, encouraging private power producers, renovation of existing capacity and import of electricity to keep a balance between demand and supply.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to create awareness about energy conservation and said campaigns through mass media should be launched to avoid power wastage.
On the occasion, Federal Minister for Water and Power, Liaquat Ali Jatoi presented national conservation plan, which came under thorough discussion in the meeting. The plan will be forwarded to all provincial governments and implemented with their consultation.
CEO KESC, Lieutenant General (Retd) Syed Mohammad Amjed made a presentation about corporation's efforts to maintain a balance between demand and supply of electricity in Summer 2007. The Prime Minister asked KESC for its enhanced liaison with public and said they should be kept fully informed through daily briefing about load management and energy conservation plans. He said KESC should ensure repairs at the tactical level with seamless co-ordination between KESC, Wapda, provincial and local governments.
The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani, Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri, Chief Secretary, Chairman Wapda and senior officials.