ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf, while discussing achievements of the present government, revealed that 1700 Mega Watt electricity had been added to the system since he had taken charge, and said that a further 1000 to 1200 MW would be installed in the coming three to four months.
Addressing a ceremony, he said that the government was making optimal use of its available resources to overcome the power crisis.
“Power is a public utility and is the urgent need of every Pakistani whether poor or an industrialist”, he said, adding that a gap between demand and supply exists which requires comprehensive planning for resolution.
“It needs planning and funding of years and that is why the former Pakistan People Party’s government decided to bring IPPs policy”, he maintained.
Hailing the decision to bring IPPs, he said that the IPPs added around 3000 to 4000 MW of electricity and despite opposition IPPs had proved beneficial for the country.
“If those IPPs were not set-up at that time, the situation today would have been even worse”, he said.
“$1.2 million is the cost of production of generating one MW and similarly $1.2 billion is the cost of production of 1000 MW which means a lot of funds and resources”, the minister informed while he gave details on power generation.
Brushing aside rumors that solar system can be used for producing cheap electricity, he said,
“Solar energy costs 20 to 22 cents per unit which is far more costly than other sources”.
Raja Pervez Ashraf urged the media to play a positive role and bring facts to the public.
He said that if all segments of society show responsibility, the situation could improve within no time.
The minister expressed the need to restructure and upgrade WAPDA. Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Engr Javed Pervez in his welcome address highlighted the performance of IESCO and assured the minister that all energies are being utilised in overcoming line losses
“IESCO is the only company in the country whose losses are less than 10 per cent, even in current tough circumstance”, he maintained.
APP
Pervez Ashraf promises to ramp up power production
