Year: 2024

Govt Faces Solar Challenge: Public Generating 3,000 MW Annually, Threatens Grid Reliance

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Solar-Project

ISLAMABAD: The government is facing a growing challenge as it has been revealed that the public is generating 250 MW of solar power each month, amounting to 3,000 MW annually, through off-grid solar installations. This trend could significantly reduce the reliance on the national grid, which supplies increasingly unaffordable electricity. As the shift towards independent solar energy continues, it is projected that within 5-6 years, the government may struggle to sell electricity from the national grid, exacerbating the current capacity payment crisis. The issue was flagged by a committee on…

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Inauguration of Suki Kinari Hydropower Project Likely to Be Postponed Until COD

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Suki-Kinari

ISLAMABAD: The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) has recommended postponing the inauguration of the 884 MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Project until the achievement of its Commercial Operation Date (COD), sources told Business Recorder. The project company reported that the Reliability Run Test (RRT), required under the Power Purchase Agreement, began on August 30, 2024. However, after nearly completing the 168-hour continuous test, one of the four power generation units tripped, halting the process. The test was restarted on September 6 and is expected to conclude by September 13. The…

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Punjab Withdraws Rs14 Power Subsidy for Islamabad, IMF Pressure Cited

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IMF-board

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has withdrawn the Rs14 per unit electricity subsidy for consumers in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), effective immediately. The decision, reportedly influenced by International Monetary Fund (IMF) pressure, will result in higher electricity bills for residents of Islamabad and surrounding areas. The Islamabad Electricity Supply Company (IESCO) issued a notification confirming the discontinuation of the subsidy for the month of September. As a result, ICT consumers will now be billed according to the federal government’s revised electricity rates, which saw a hike of up to 51%…

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US to Assist Pakistan in Tackling Climate Change Impact, Says Ambassador Blome

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climate-change

ISLAMABAD: United States Ambassador Donald Blome inaugurated the “Recharge Pakistan” initiative, a landmark climate project focused on enhancing flood resilience and water security in Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions. Speaking at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, Ambassador Blome highlighted the US commitment to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan to protect climate-vulnerable communities and build a sustainable, climate-resilient future. The initiative, supported by the US in collaboration with Coca-Cola, Green Climate Fund (GCF), World Wide Fund (WWF), and the Pakistan government, aims to mitigate climate risks through green infrastructure projects. These…

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KE Staff Attacked Amid Anti-Theft Operation, Held Hostage by Protesters

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KARACHI: K-Electric (KE) staff faced violent resistance during an anti-electricity theft operation in Karachi’s Gizri and Punjab Colony areas on Tuesday. KE spokesperson Imran Rana reported that power thieves attacked and held some staff members hostage at gunpoint while attempting to forcibly restore illegal connections. The operation sparked protests, with demonstrators blocking major roads across the city, causing severe traffic disruptions. Key areas, including Sharae Faisal and Korangi Road, experienced long traffic jams due to the organised protests. KE urged law enforcement to take action against the attackers and reaffirmed…

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