While freezing its development work altogether, Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) has decided to put all efforts on energising the flood affected areas in next two weeks. This was stated by Director General Pepco Muhammad Khalid in a specially organised press briefing on Saturday afternoon.
It may be noted that floods have devastated electricity system in majority of flood affected areas, estimating accumulated loss to Rs 10 billion to Pepco infrastructure, and restoration of power to these areas is a major challenge for Pepco. The DG said Pepco has frozen its developmental programme to carry out rehabilitation of four power distribution companies-Pesco, Mepco, Hesco, Qesco, worst hit by torrential rains and floods.
He said Pepco's focus is on restoration of power supply in affected areas for which all-out resources would be used. The developmental programme of Pepco has been frozen to achieve the goal of restoration of power supply in flood-hit areas. When asked about waiving off electricity bills in flood-hit areas, Khalid said this matter will be discussed and a viable decision will be taken.
Regarding losses to the Pepco's system, he said figure of Rs 10 billion is estimated one and exact losses will be determined after carrying out detailed survey in the effected areas. He further said that Lahore is suffering power shortfall due to overloading on system. However, he said efforts are underway to improve the situation.
Regarding power shortfall, he said during the last 24 hours there was shortfall of 1623 MW against generation of 13695 MW and demand of 15318 MW. He said 710 MW is being supplied to KESC. He further said that two hydel power stations ie Jigraan, Malakand, and three thermal including Pak Gen, AG Lal Pir and Kot Addu besides Chashma Power Plant are still closed.