PM orders release of Rs 6bn to GENCOs

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately release Rs 6 billion to the Water and Power Ministry for payment to generation companies so that they could enhance power generation across the country. The prime minister further directed the Petroleum Ministry to take immediate steps for the provision of natural gas to the power plants so that more electricity may be included in the system to minimise load shedding hours. The prime minister gave these directions while presiding over a meeting to review the energy situation in the country at PM’s House on Thursday.
Emphasizing the need for continuous coordination and discussion for resolution of the energy issues faced by the country, the prime minister directed the Energy Committee of the Cabinet to hold its meeting on a daily basis. The meeting of the committee on a daily basis would resolve issues coming in the way of implementation of various decisions, the prime minister said. He also directed holding the energy conference on April 9, 2012 to consult various with stakeholders and evolve a national policy to deal with the energy problems faced by the country. The prime minister also directed the Minister for Water and Power to hold meeting with defaulting provincial governments and the private sector for recovery of outstanding dues which will boost the revenue source and further reduce the circular debt. The prime minister further directed the Minister for Water and Power to hold a meeting with business community and other stakeholders to take them onboard regarding the government’s polices and seek their views. The prime minister said the resolution of the energy issue was the top priority of the government and every step would be taken in this regard. The meeting was briefed by the minister for water and power regarding the current energy shortfall and the steps taken so far to rationalize the load shedding.