Islamabad (Web Desk):Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to meet the country’s future energy needs through renewable energy sources.
He chaired a review meeting in Islamabad on progress related to reforms in the power sector.
The Prime Minister said that electricity generation from renewable sources such as hydropower, solar energy, and biogas will help reduce production costs and positively contribute to economic growth. He also instructed authorities to accelerate efforts aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuels.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that there will be zero tolerance for electricity theft, directing strict action against officials and distribution companies found violating the Economic Merit Order in recent days. He further ordered acceleration of the smart meter installation project on transformers in high-loss areas to curb power theft.
He also called for speeding up work on developing a competitive electricity market in the country. In this regard, he directed authorities to fast-track the supply of 400 megawatts of electricity to the private sector under the wheeling system in the first phase.
The meeting was informed that losses due to electricity theft, non-recovery, and operational inefficiencies in distribution companies have significantly declined compared to last year, reflecting improved governance measures.
Officials briefed that transmission losses have decreased from 18.3 percent in June 2024 to 15.3 percent in March 2026. Similarly, electricity bill recovery has improved from 90 percent to 96.46 percent during the same period.
It was also shared that the process of involving the private sector in three distribution companies is underway, with the bidding process expected to be completed by November this year.
Additionally, the meeting was told that smart meters have already been installed on 2,500 loss-making feeders as part of ongoing reforms in the power sector.