LAHORE: Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan has said that the government is focusing on alternate resources to produce cheaper power so as to meet the growing needs of the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of Letter of Support for 100-megawatt solar power project on Thursday, he said low-cost power projects will help provide much-needed relief to the people.
The minister said one more power project under the public-private partnership will be established in Layyah, adding that the past governments relied on expensive fuel-based power generation which resulted in an increase in power price in the country.
Khan stated that the solar project agreement has been signed with a minimum tariff, for which Punjab CM Usman Buzdar and his team deserve accolades. “Net metering will be brought to single-phase as transmission lines have been improved, having a capability to supply 24,000-megawatt electricity.”
A separate tariff for WASA is also being reviewed, he stated.
The minister said that the sole electricity provider in Karachi, K-Electric (KE), has not fulfilled its promised investment; however, the power system would be improved from next year. He expressed hope that KE would establish its own 500kV grid by 2021.
“We have talked with the management of 10 universities and they have agreed to acquire the solar-powered system. The rates of solar energy were Rs2 to Rs3 per unit two to three years ago, whereas the current price per unit is Rs6.”
Honorable Minister realisation to encourage Renewables as Solar preference. KE being the exclusive supplier to mega city of Karachi and the KE uses Furnace Oil which emits extreme toxity triggering Climate Change with heavy rains, extreme heat, population sufferings.
In return KE honors the Karachites with blessings of its Furnace Oil fuel pollution, resulting in heavy rain floods, extreme temperature hot life threatening rain flood. Suggest KE should also provide Solar PV kit for consumers to pay in easy instalments for Solar/PV with net metering on excellent incentive price and gift to the over burdened consumers. The solar PV can also be subsidised by Saylani Welfare Trust, charities, Poverty Alleviation Fund, Philanthropists, Charitable organisations, for the needy to survive from the frustration provided to Karachi. Best wishes,
oil in power generation and gift to the citizens of Sindh, Karachi