Energy crisis body fails to find solution
19 June, 2012
ISLAMABAD: The Ministerial Committee on Energy Crisis on Monday failed to find a solution to the ongoing power crisis. Addressing a news conference, Water and Power Minister Ahmad Mukhtar admitted that load shedding would not reduce significantly within the next three months, as it was difficult to increase power generation. "I chose this ministry as a challenge and will try my best to resolve the issue on permanent grounds," he said, adding that he could not resolve the issue alone and required support from all. He said the government had released Rs 9 billion to enhance power generation. The increased fuel supply to power plants would add 3,600 megawatts (MW) within next three days. Blaming the Punjab government for power riots, he said that the power shortage was being "misused" and the federal government would be using "constitutional powers" to control the move. He said, "Anybody, including Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif, found guilty of crimes of violence and arson would be taken to task." He said Punjab had to pay Rs 15.6 billion outstanding dues and the Sindh government had Rs 51 billion arrears. He said the government had finalised eight hours load shedding in the urban areas and 12 hours in the rural areas. The government departments had Rs 212 billion outstanding payment while private sector's arrears were more than Rs 166 billion. "If the government manages to collect Rs 378 billion outstanding dues then the power generation will significantly improve," he added. To a question, the minister said the ministerial committee had formed a body consisting of the finance minister and the Kashmir affairs minister. He also said the committee would discuss deduction of outstanding power dues with the Sindh government. "If the matter is not settled through talks then we will use other available options," he added. Informing about measures taken to enhance power generation, he said 225mmcfd gas was being provided to power plants, adding that this would result in increasing power generation by 1,100MW. End.
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