Islamabad, November 09,2024- Federal Minister for Power Division, Sardar Owais Leghari, has stated that the government wants the public to switch from gas to electricity during the winter season. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Leghari mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction in electricity tariffs yesterday.
“We want the public to use electricity instead of gas in the winter,” he said. “Reducing electricity prices is a relief measure for the people, and we hope to introduce such a package every year for six months.”
Leghari highlighted that Pakistan currently generates 55% of its electricity from hydropower, solar, and nuclear sources. He noted that the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) has faced mismanagement in the past, resulting in inefficiencies within the transmission system. The government is now restructuring the NTDC into three separate companies as part of broader power sector reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the system.
Starting February next year, these companies will commence operations, said Leghari, adding that the new “Winter Relief Package,” priced at PKR 26 per unit, will promote the use of LNG. He emphasized that the government is actively working on a reform agenda to improve the electricity transmission network.
Leghari also revealed that Pakistan aims to produce 88% clean energy over the next decade, taking pride in becoming a regional leader in green energy. The companies formed from NTDC’s restructuring will be small, with around 50 to 70 employees each, as part of efforts to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.