Loadshedding and Energy Conference

The energy conference, which held to seek curatives to deal with the ongoing energy crisis in the country, went through a power outage on its very first day.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani inaugurated the conference and rested the blame of the energy crises on the non-payment of dues.

In his view, the energy crisis affects every sector in the country and we need a long-term strategy to overcome it.

“We need to work in unison before energy crisis overwhelms us completely”, said PM Gilani. He said his government inherited a supply shortage of 2000MW in 2008, adding they need to promote alternative energy resources.

The two-day conference was arranged by the government to seek sustainable solution, with the help of stakeholders and technocrats, to tackle the ongoing energy crisis. It is being attended by stake-holders from all provinces including Gilgit-Baltistsan (GB) and Azad Kashmir.

Federal Minister for Water and Power Naveed Qamar proposed that in order to overcome the crisis, electricity can be imported from Tajikistan, Iran and Uzbekistan.

He observed that the challenge before nation was the most difficult one in Pakistan and can only be solved through participation of entire country. Our regulatory system needs strengthening. Court cases take too long to resolve, adding to energy problem, he added.

The minister stated one of the major reasons of power crisis was full cost of fuel not being passed onto consumer.

Revenues have been far too low to operate system due to slow government response to increase fuel prices, he said adding that 429MW have been reclaimed in less than 2 years thanks to USAID.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif complained that the provincial government was being punished rather than being rewarded for the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

He was of the opinion that Bhasha Dam should have been focused on from day one as it could help in reducing power crisis. He said businessmen were not philanthropists, adding they have to make money.

Sharif also claimed that sugarcane could be used to generate 2000 MW of electricity. He recommended prioritizing industries and banning all unscheduled load shedding. He commented, “There has to be a holistic energy policy coming out of today’s conference”.

The CM Punjab said Qaim Ali Shah should be given full support to generate power from Thar coal. He claimed, “Oil tycoons in the country are not allowing coal based generation”.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Apr 9 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.