SURPLUS power is likely to increase 15 per cent against the projected demand per annum because of over-commitment of power-generation projects.

Decades of crippling spells of load-shedding necessitated quick-build excessive capacity additions in the recent past. The power sector now faces a new, and no-less serious challenge – a period of expensive capacity surplus which currently amounts to 4,000MW during seasonal peak.

Decision-makers in the country are in a fix about how to alleviate the financial consequences of the past decisions and transform this critical sector into a vibrant contributor to realise the nation’s dream of progress and prosperity.

To mitigate the problem, I suggest to the authorities concerned that current billing tariff based on slab system should be stopped. Instead, a flat-rate tariff should be introduced by lowering the per-unit rates to encourage more usage of power, particularly for domestic appliances. This should be done by replacing gas geysers with electric instant geysers and electric plates to overcome the prevalent gas shortage and to provide relief to the consumers.

This step will not only absorb the system’s surplus power, but will also reduce burden over capacity payments to the IPPs.

Ejaz Bukht Durrani
Lahore

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.
Concerning measures
Updated 03 Nov, 2024

Concerning measures

The govt must seek political input and consensus on the changes it is seeking to make and be open about its intentions.
Short-lived relief?
03 Nov, 2024

Short-lived relief?

POLICYMAKERS must be jumping with joy. At the close of the first quarter of FY25, the budget posted a consolidated...
Brisk spread
03 Nov, 2024

Brisk spread

THE surge in polio cases has reached distressing levels with a tally of 45 last reported, after two cases emerged in...