Senate Committee expresses satisfaction with the working of the Power Division

ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (SABAH): A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar was held on Tuesday at the Parliament House.

The session commenced with the chairperson inquiring about the report regarding the two matters regarding awarding of contracts to (M/s Sinohydro Corporation) for LoT-I, (M/s Harbin Electric International) for LoT-II and consultant (M/s GOPA Intec) for construction of 765kV double circuit transmission line from Dasu Hydro Power Station to Islamabad I/C Grid Station and ADB project ACSR Bunting Conductor LoT-11 A discussed and referred to Power Division in the last meeting.

The Secretary, Power Division assured the Committee Members of the efforts being made for progress. In detail, the Secretary, Power Division briefed the status of circular debt, explaining that all circular debts had met their set target of Rs. 2,310 trillion as of December 21, 2023, including those successfully negotiated with the IMF, ensuring consistency in 2024 as well. The Power Division attributed the achievement of targets to efficiency in managing the power sector, addressing technical and commercial losses through tariff adjustments. Furthermore, Rs. 85.7 billion have been recovered due to an anti-theft drive that started in the second week of August 2023. The ministry expressed confidence that addressing circular debt would lead to progress rather than regression.
The Secretary of the Power Division emphasized that they have imposed restrictions on staff posting to control electricity theft, despite objections from the Election Commission.

The Chairman Committee expressed optimism and appreciation for their performance.

The MD, NESPAK provided a detailed briefing on DTLP (Lot-I by M/s Sinohydro Corporation Limited), DTLP (Lot-II by M/s Harbin Electric International), DTLP (Consultant Hiring by M/s GOPA Intec), and ADB-4018-2022 (M/s Newage Cables Lahore). Additionally, he discussed the pre-qualification matter with Lot-I by M/s Sinohydro Corporation Limited thoroughly. The Minister for Energy (Power Division) added that the World Bank, being the donor agency, has the right to set the framework for changes, emphasizing that there was complete transparency and no malicious action from their end. He also clarified the allegations faced by M/s Harbin Electric International, stating that the accusations were false. The Committee expressed satisfaction with the working of the Power Division.

The committee members also discussed Public Petition No. PP-5485 regarding the restoration of electricity in Mirani Dam Feeder Dasht, District Kech. The Power Division explained that the system had deteriorated due to floods and emphasized the necessity of local support, as 80% of the inefficiency is attributed to a lack of financial resources and law enforcement support. The Chairman Committee assured the ministry of his support and recommended writing letter to the provincial government of Balochistan to facilitate the supply of electricity in the area.

Furthermore, the committee members discussed the recommendations made by the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce in its meeting held on 12th and 13th September, 2023 in Karachi. The Secretary, Power Division expressed that the commerce, power, finance, and petroleum divisions are collectively working to resolve the matter, especially concerning the substantial tariff involved.

The Committee Members also considered Public Petition No. PP-5652 & 5653 against the management of K-Electric IBC for the illegal disconnection of PMT in Jahanabad near Gulshan-e-Maymar, Karachi. The K-Electric official explained that after analysis, it was discovered that the fault was at the PMT end, and the issue had already been resolved.

Additionally, the Managing Director of NESPAK also provided a detailed presentation on the consultancy and progress of all NESPAK projects.

The meeting was attended by Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi, Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Senator Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Senator Sana Jamali, Minister for Energy (Power Division), Secretary, Power Division, MD, NESPAK and senior officials from the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), Ministry of Finance, K-Electric, Quetta Supply Electric Company (QESCO), and NTDC (National Transmission & Despatch Company).