The National Assembly was informed today that there is no load-shedding occurring in the country due to a generation shortfall.
During the question hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazeer Tarar explained that Distribution Companies (DISCOs) are managing load distribution based on feeder losses. Feeders with losses of up to 20% are exempt from outages. He also mentioned that in the first phase, smart meters will be installed on transformers to curb power theft.
The Minister also highlighted the efforts of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board to promote and develop alternative and renewable energy sources in line with the government’s strategy to diversify the energy mix. He stated that 58 alternative and renewable energy projects, with a combined capacity of 3,837 megawatts, are currently operational, including 1,845 megawatts from wind power.
Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik warned that the country’s indigenous gas reserves are depleting, prompting the government to take steps to improve supplies. These measures include awarding new blocks for oil and gas exploration and importing LNG. A package has been developed to encourage both domestic and international companies to engage in offshore exploration of oil and gas, and existing resources are being optimized.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar mentioned that the government is actively working to enhance the electricity transmission system. He noted that the Prime Minister is regularly briefed on the initiatives by K-Electric and other DISCOs to improve their capacity. He added that K-Electric is planning to install 220 megawatts of solar and wind power projects to address the issues faced by residents of Karachi.