Industry Leaders Urge Govt to Enable Direct Power Purchase from Generators

power-sector

KARACHI: Prominent industrial chambers and associations have called for the immediate implementation of the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM) regime, allowing bulk power consumers to directly purchase electricity from generators, thereby bypassing the government. This demand was highlighted during a conference organized jointly by Renewables First and the Pakistan Environment Trust on Tuesday. The event featured discussions from key industry figures, including Zubair Motiwala, CEO of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan; Tanveer Ahmed Barry, Vice President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Johar Ali Qandhari, President…

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Govt Considers Scrapping Faulty Meter Reading System

Meter-Reading

LAHORE: In response to growing consumer dissatisfaction, the government is contemplating abolishing the flawed pro rata meter reading system, which often removes electricity consumers from the protected category or pushes them into higher billing slabs despite their actual monthly consumption remaining within the category. Sources indicate that the Power Division and other relevant authorities are actively reviewing the meter reading system. “We are evaluating the pro rata system due to numerous consumer complaints about overbilling,” a senior official from the Ministry of Energy told Dawn on Tuesday. “If the system,…

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Awais Laghari Admits Delays and Challenges in Fulfillment of Free Electricity Promises

Awais-Leghari

Karachi (TV Report) – Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Laghari, acknowledged the delays and difficulties in delivering on the promises of free electricity made by Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto. While claiming efforts to reduce electricity prices for the public, Laghari stated that significant rate reductions would be made before the end of the government’s term. He admitted that fulfilling promises of free electricity will take more time. Areas with high electricity theft are experiencing increased load shedding, and investigations are underway regarding the addition of extra units in electricity…

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National Gas Transmission System at Risk Amid Reduced RLNG Usage

New-RLNG

ISLAMABAD: The national gas transmission system is facing significant risks as the Power Division has reduced the use of imported gas in RLNG-based power plants in Punjab. This reduction, now down to 418 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) from 858 mmcfd on July 3, 2024, has caused a surge in the line pack pressure to 5.185 billion cubic feet gas (bcfd), potentially jeopardizing the system. On Sunday, the line pack pressure was recorded at 5.060 bcfd, escalating to 5.185 bcfd by Monday due to the reduced RLNG usage. This…

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Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Approves Solar Panels for Low-Consumption Households

Mariyam-nawaz

LAHORE: In response to rising electricity costs, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the provision of solar panels to households consuming between 50 and 500 units of electricity monthly. Chairing a meeting with the Energy Department, she greenlighted the ‘Roshan Gharana Programme,’ which aims to alleviate the burden of high electricity costs. Under this initiative, the Punjab government will cover 90% of the cost of solar panels, with consumers paying the remaining 10%. Beneficiaries will repay the government’s share in easy installments over five years. “The government is committed…

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