News
PM Nawaz for showing zero tolerance to power pilferers
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday directed the Ministry of Water and Power to show zero tolerance against electricity theft and speed up the recovery process, according to an official statement. With the advent of the summer season and resultant increase in electricity shortfall, the PML-N government is under tremendous pressure to reduce the power load shedding period, which for now runs into 8 to 10 hours in cities and town and up to 15 hours in villages across the country. Line losses and power theft in big cities of Punjab, and in many areas of Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have made the situation even worse. However, despite warnings and promises, the PML-N government has not been able to net prominent traders, factory owners, etc, who according to WAPDA officials were the main beneficiaries of electricity pilferage. Chairing a meeting on electricity issues at the PM’s House, Nawaz Sharif directed officials to make all-out efforts to provide electricity to consumers. He told them to ensure through best management that there was minimum possible inconvenience to the consumers during the current season. It was also decided that a comprehensive energy conservation plan would be developed and executed after consultation with all stakeholders, including traders, manufacturers and retailers, to save electricity. The prime minister was given a detailed briefing on electricity theft and the performance of power distribution companies (DISCOS) in recovery of arrears. He was also briefed on the load management plan.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk