In a significant admission, the government has acknowledged the recurring issue of overbilling by power distribution companies (Discos), highlighting a lack of awareness about the extent of faulty meters within the system. Power Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, in a recent news conference, pledged decisive action against complicit staff and officers while hinting at potential rate reviews for various consumer segments to stimulate demand and address rising capacity payments. Minister Leghari revealed that Discos were facing losses of around Rs. 560 billion annually, attributing a substantial portion of this loss…
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Govt Accelerates Deregulation of Fuel Prices to Tackle Smuggling and Industry Challenges
The Pakistani government has ramped up efforts to deregulate petroleum product prices in response to mounting challenges such as fuel smuggling and industry complaints. This move aims to shift public criticism towards oil marketing companies (OMCs) and address issues plaguing the oil sector. Under a directive from the petroleum division, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has been tasked with presenting an analysis of the implications of deregulation within a tight timeframe of three days. This analysis will focus on aspects like in-country freight equalisation margins (IFEM) and related…
Read MoreHydropower Takes Center Stage at IRENA General Assembly
During the recent IRENA General Assembly, member countries emphasized the critical role of sustainable hydropower in accelerating their energy transition efforts. The International Hydropower Association (IHA) played a pivotal role in this dialogue, offering a platform for showcasing good practices, sharing progress, and providing guidance and policy recommendations for enhancing sustainable hydropower. IHA’s CEO, Eddie Rich, and Head of Policy, Gordon Edge, actively participated in the assembly to ensure that sustainable hydropower remains central to the global energy conversation. This year’s assembly placed a sharper focus on Africa, recognizing the…
Read MoreSurge in Nuclear and Coal Power Costs Challenges Pakistan’s Energy Sector
Recent data from the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) reveals a substantial increase in the costs associated with nuclear and local coal power generation in Pakistan, presenting a significant challenge to the energy industry. Nuclear-based power generation has experienced a notable surge in expenses, with operational costs rising by over 17 percent in recent months. This increase has put financial strain on nuclear power producers, leading to a shift in its contribution to the national grid from the top spot in January 2024 to second place in February and March…
Read MorePM Establishes Committee to Review WACOG Mechanism for Gas Tariffs
In a significant move, the government is set to introduce the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) mechanism to determine gas tariffs, blending local natural gas with imported RLNG. This initiative aims to reduce gas tariffs for various sectors in Punjab, high-end domestic consumers, and RLNG-based power plants, according to senior officials of the Energy Ministry. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed an 11-member committee to finalize recommendations on the implementation of WACOG in gas tariffs. The committee includes the Minister of Petroleum as convener, along with members from the…
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