Rising Power demand signals policy success, says Minister Leghari to World Bank

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari informed that there is a significant and gradual increase in electricity consumption in Pakistan, which is an indicator of the success of the Government’s policies.

The Minister was talking to the World Bank Country Director Ms. Bolormaa Amgaabazar, who met him here today.

The Minister said that the Government is aiming to make electricity tariffs competitive enough so that the country’s main economic drivers can benefit from it. He apprised the World Bank Country Director that the Power Division, after assessing concessional tariffs for industries, Power Division is currently working on Time of Use proposals for Industries to further improve the country’s energy competitiveness. He said that the aim is to benefit from the country’s solar potential and provide concessional tariffs to industries. He added that the Power Division is currently in consultation with all stakeholders.

Sardar Awais Leghari said that the Power Division is also considering major policy decisions to utilise the country’s indigenous resources for electricity generation. He said that the current situation in the Middle East has further reinforced Govt efforts to utilize the indigenous resources .

The Minister appreciated the World Bank for its continued cooperation in the energy sector and acknowledged the successful implementation of existing projects. He expressed the Government’s resolve to continue working closely with the World Bank to further strengthen Pakistan’s energy infrastructure.

The World Bank Country Director appreciated the Power Division’s reform agenda and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to working with the Ministry on priority areas, including tariff rationalisation, transmission and distribution network and renewable energy integration.
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