ISLAMABAD (Dunya News/Web Desk) – Tired of announced and unannounced power outages, especially when you experience climate change-induced heatwaves in Pakistan? Be happy as a long-term plan is being devised to improve power supply – certainly seems for a better future.
However, we are in Pakistan where every news has two aspects – the good and the bad.
The good news: The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) has prepared a massive investment plan for transmission lines under which a total of Rs2,443 billion would be spent on modernising the system.
The bad news: Once approved by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), every penny spent on this investment would be charged to the electricity consumers in Pakistan.
It is reported that the NTDC has shared the Transmission System Expansion Plan with Nepra, which envisages projects concerning construction of large grid stations and introduction of voltage control system.
As far the details are concerning, Rs1,550bn would be spent on five new projects while allocation of Rs892bn is ought for seven existing ventures
Meanwhile, the consumers are supposed to pay the amount which would be adjusted in their monthly bills after the completion of each project.
It is worth noting that the NTDC – according to the mission statement posted on its website – is responsible for providing reliable, efficient, and stable transmission network and despatch services through the adoption of sustainable best international practices that ensure optimum utilisation of resources to meet the transmission services requirements of generators and end users, maximise return to stakeholders and provide a rewarding workplace for the employees.
Separately, it is reported that obsolete distribution system means the power companies can’t inject more electricity into their networks.
It means, sources say, nine power distribution companies (Discos) out of a total 10 are wasting around 1,400 megawatts of electricity.
The sources say the 10 Discos are supposed to get over 16,000 megawatts of electricity, but they are buying only 14,500 megawatts.
Currently, the total power demand is over 17,000 megawatts, hence the shortfall reaching over 2,450 megawatts, which can be reduced to around 1,000 if the Discos start buying according to their respective quotas.