Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari on Friday said that the government is taking multiple steps for improving governance in the power sector.
He was briefing the media persons in Islamabad today regarding the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recently announced relief by cutting the power tariffs.
The minister explained that significant steps are being taken to enhance governance in the industry, including the generation of cheaper electricity through public-private partnerships.
Leghari said that reduction of Rs7.41 per unit for domestic electricity consumers and Rs7.69 for industrial consumers is an important step which will not only provide relief to the common man, but also help stimulate economic activities.
He further highlighted that successful negotiations with 36 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) had resulted in savings of Rs3,696 billion, which will directly benefit consumers.
Discussions with other IPPs are still ongoing to secure further reductions in costs.
The minister said the government is also working on shifting of imported coal power plants to Thar coal, which will decrease fuel cost, slashing the import bill.
Additionally, progress continues on the solarization project for 27,000 tube wells in Balochistan, which is expected to bring long-term benefits to the region.
Leghari confirmed that the privatization of power distribution companies (DISCOs) is underway.
The first phase of this process includes the privatization of IESCO, FESCO, and GEPCO, marking a significant step in the broader plan to improve the efficiency of the power distribution system.
