PM stresses monitoring of power supply, demand

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said although remarkable progress had been achieved in power sector during the last three years, however, there was a need to constantly monitoring demand and supply situation keeping in view the anticipated high GDP growth scenario in the coming years.

The prime minister sated this Thursday while chairing a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting reviewed in detail the report on validation of energy and demand forecasting as prepared by NTDC and evaluated by an international consultant engaged through the World Bank.

According to the report, Pakistan will overcome power shortage from 2017 onwards up to year 2030. Amendments in Renewable Energy Policy 2006 were also discussed in the meeting. It was decided that proposals for new tariff will be based on best international models so that most competitive tariffs are achieved to lower the basket price of electricity. HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) Matiari-Lahore transmission line project was also discussed. The proposed project with evacuation capacity of 4000 MW is being planned to ensure evacuation of power from the new generation planned in southern part of country to the load centres in middle of the country.