ISLAMABAD: The federal government has directed Petroleum Division to prepare a policy paper for amendments to OGRA Ordinance 2002 empowering the Regulator to set and notify gas prices in future, sources close to Secretary Petroleum told Business Recorder. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on October 23, 2023 which was ratified by the Federal Cabinet. The sources said that OGRA would set and notify gas prices after hearing all stakeholders. An appellate mechanism would also be provided, should a party seek review of the…
Read MoreAuthor: Admin
Centre doubts ability of provinces to run Discos credibly
ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has reportedly been directed to move a summary to scrap the decision of elected government regarding provincialisation of power Distribution Companies (Discos), fearing that provincial governments might not be able to run Discos due to their limited expertise, well-informed sources told Business Recorder. Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the concerned Ministries/Divisions to prepare a mechanism to hand over Discos to respective provinces that had shown a willingness to accept the Discos with some pre-conditions. The sources said, Privatisation Ministry, which is now being headed by…
Read MoreExperts call for power sector reforms
Emphasise need to reduce cost of electricity production, revise tariff structure LAHORE: A discussion convened by the Lahore Economic Journalists Association (LEJA) titled ‘Increase in power tariffs – impact on consumers’ affordability, DISCOs recoveries, and circular debt’ brought together experts who emphasised the urgent need to reduce the cost of electricity production, revise the tariff structure, and enhance the efficiency of distribution companies (DISCOs). The experts highlighted several key measures to address the ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s power sector. Their suggestions included appointing more professionals within DISCOs, boosting power generation…
Read MoreKE plans ambitious 640MW renewable energy initiative
Aims to diversify Karachi’s energy mix, drive down costs and reduce environmental impact ISLAMABAD: K-Electric (KE), the primary electricity provider for Karachi, is advancing a strategic renewable energy plan that could reshape the city’s power landscape. The company has taken significant steps towards adding 640MW of renewable capacity to the local grid. KE’s revised Requests for Proposals (RFPs) submitted include four renewable energy projects, all in line with open competitive bidding regulations established by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). These projects aim to diversify the city’s energy mix…
Read MoreTheft control, renewables key to low tariffs
LAHORE: Speakers at a consultative session were unanimous that controlling theft, appointing professionals in Discos, increasing power generation from indigenous and renewable resources, and separating financial recoveries like taxes and fee from electricity bills are crucial to reduce the rising power tariffs for consumers. They were also of the view that there is a need to reduce the cost of power production in order to lower tariffs and eliminate the uniform tariff policy across the board, making distribution companies more efficient and responsible for managing losses in their respective territories.…
Read More
