Category: Shortcode

Power Division Keeps IPP Talks Confidential, Promises ‘Good News’ Soon

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Power-sector

ISLAMABAD: The Power Division on Thursday declined to share details on the ongoing negotiations between the Task Force on Power Sector Reforms and Independent Power Producers (IPPs), but assured that progress is being made and good news will be shared soon, as talks with several IPPs are at an advanced stage. Special Secretary Arshad Majeed, who also serves as Secretary of the Task Force, stated that negotiations are in a critical phase and disclosing details could be detrimental. He noted that within two weeks, the Committee would be briefed on…

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Rs250 Million Spent on Disco Privatisation with No Results, Senate Committee Informed

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power-distribution

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation was informed on Thursday that despite spending Rs250 million on the privatisation process of power distribution companies (Discos), not a single transaction has been completed. Committee chairman Senator Tallal Badar expressed frustration over this wasteful expenditure, questioning the message it sends internationally. The Ministry of Energy briefed the committee on the proposed privatisation, with Senator Badar specifically questioning the stalled privatisation of Faisalabad Electric Company (Fesco), which had nearly been finalised in 2016-17 but remains incomplete. Labour concerns were highlighted as a significant…

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K-Electric Faces Scrutiny Over Prolonged Outages and Overbilling

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K-Electric

NA Committee to Review KE’s Performance in Karachi | Utility Seeks 51 Paise Tariff Hike for August ISLAMABAD: Despite overcapacity in the power system, complaints of overbilling, excessive loadshedding, and high electricity costs in Karachi dominated discussions at parliamentary and regulatory forums on Thursday. K-Electric (KE) faced sharp criticism from the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Power and a public hearing by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra). Both forums raised concerns over KE’s reliance on expensive power plants, leading to 6-18 hours of loadshedding and overcharging. Karachi residents,…

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Energy Planning Critical for Driving Just Transition Investments in Global South: IRENA Reports

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renewable-energy

Abu Dhabi, UAE/Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil – October 3, 2024:The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has highlighted the crucial role of energy planning in unlocking investment opportunities in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). In new reports commissioned by Brazil’s G20 presidency, IRENA calls for de-risking strategies and leveraging public finance to drive a just and inclusive energy transition in the Global South. Current global investment patterns show significant disparities, with advanced economies and large EMDEs like China, India, and Brazil attracting the bulk of the funding. In contrast, the…

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Local Refineries Urge Resolution of Key Issues Before Committing to Upgrades

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refinery

KARACHI: Pakistan’s five local refineries have linked the signing of Upgrade and Escrow Agreements with the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to the resolution of critical issues facing the sector. With the October 22 deadline approaching, the refineries have expressed concerns that unresolved matters are jeopardizing their operations and upgrade plans. In a letter to Ogra, the refineries highlighted the detrimental impact of recent changes to the sales tax on petroleum products, implemented through the Finance Act, 2024. The change has nullified the incentives provided under the Brownfield Refining…

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