KP govt moves to establish energy commission

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced plans to establish a Provincial Energy Regulatory Commission to oversee electricity generation, transmission and tariffs in the province, and awarding licenses to private companies.

A statement said a summary about the creation of the commission was submitted by the KP Energy Department to the provincial government. However, the KP Finance Department raised concerns, stating that commission had not been approved in the Annual Development Programme, which has a budget.

The total estimated cost for establishing the commission is Rs50 million.The Finance Department has suggested that the summary should be re-evaluated by the Department of Planning and Development.

A summary moved by KP Energy Department stated, “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has a production capacity of 4,500 MW, necessitating a more robust regulatory framework to enhance the efficient use of its natural resources. “Once established, the commission will be tasked with regulating electricity tariffs and licensing energy companies, aiming to eliminate barriers to economic development in the province,” it added.