The federal government has decided to shift electricity feeders suffering from heavy financial losses to solar power, as part of broader efforts to reform the power sector, reduce losses, and ensure reliable electricity supply in underserved areas.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which reviewed ongoing power sector reforms and strategies to improve electricity availability, particularly in remote and high-loss regions.
The prime minister directed that loss-making feeders be converted to solar energy in coordination with provincial governments and local communities, noting that the initiative would help curb electricity losses while ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
He also approved the immediate launch of pilot projects for high-loss feeders of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) and the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO). Emphasising community ownership, the prime minister stressed that consultations with elected representatives and active public participation would be crucial for the success of the projects.
Officials informed the meeting that the conversion of such feeders to solar power would enable the development of environment-friendly, low-cost, and sustainable microgrids, with local communities, provincial authorities, and the federal government acting as key stakeholders.
According to the briefing, the initiative would not only provide affordable and clean electricity to consumers but also significantly reduce the long-term financial burden on power distribution companies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally approved the plan and instructed relevant authorities to initiate pilot projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan without delay.
