Complaints of power outages are correct as electricity demand has increased: Asif
Asif said that some areas have been de-electrified over non-payments.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif on Monday has ensured to curtail soaring load shedding by end of April.
He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad.
Asif rubbished claims that Independent Power Producer (IPP) is not producing electricity. He stated that electricity demand in April-2017 has gone up by 2000MW when compared with same period of previous year.
He narrated that current demand of electricity stands at 17, 140MW. He stated that circular debts stood at Rs385 billion as of March 31, 2017.
The minister pronounced that federal government owes Rs163 billion to IPPs, Rs56 billion to Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Rs54 billion in terms of capacity payment to IPPs.
“Country is witnessing additional load shedding as power plants capable of producing 1200MW of electricity have been closed for maintenance work. These power plants will start production by end of April. Similarly, an additional 1000MW of hydel electricity and an overall of 4500MW of electricity would be added in national grid after which there will be significant decrease in electricity”, minister maintained.
Asif said that some areas have been de-electrified over non-payments. He said that there is no load shedding for industrial sector since October, 2015.
The minister said one thousand megawatt has been added to national grid since last year. He said there will be no additional load shedding after the end of current month.
However, minister admitted that complaints of load shedding are correct.
