In an attempt to relieve Karachi’s residents and industrial sectors who fought with sky -high power tariffer, Sindh Energy announced Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Tuesday a new framework for electricity under Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority (SPRA).
In a speech with the media, he revealed that electricity will be generated and transmitted by Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC) under the newly approved spray. Shah stated that the rates offered under Spra will be significantly lower than those currently charged by K-electric.
“We want to generate electricity ourselves and transmit it through STDC. The most important thing is that we decide the customs,” he said, adding, “The electricity transmitted through STDC will not be subject to Nepra’s pricing. Our rates will be significantly more affordable.”
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The Minister confirmed that the Spra frame has been constitutionally approved by the SINDH assembly and staff of the authority have already been completed. A formal review is expected later this month.
“Our primary focus is on delivering reliable and cheap electricity to Karachi’s economic zones,” Shah emphasized. “We aim to deliver Spras first transmission to the grid that supplies power to Korangi Industrial Area.”
He also claimed that the transmission infrastructure must be under the StDC’s control for the plan to succeed. “Karachi’s citizens will also benefit from this initiative when the system is in place,” he added.
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As commented on K-electric’s government structure, the Shah pointed out the lack of provincial representation on its board. “Currently, all three board directors represent the federal government. We have suggested that a director remain from the federal side, while the other two should represent Sindh,” he said.
The Minister also mentioned an agreement between the SINDH government and K-electric to supply the tool with cheap electricity from upcoming solar energy parks. “We have asked K-electric to avoid buying electricity generated through expensive fuel when sun-based power is available,” he said.
K-electric is currently depending on the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for customs and price messages, although it is facing rising criticism of rising electricity costs and sustained load.
While announcing a new provincial power initiative, Shah did not give details of the customs structure or the generational mechanism under Spra.
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According to Nepra’s data, Pakistan’s power production continues to lean heavily on expensive imported fuels. Over 20% of electricity was generated using imported liquid natural gas (LNG) at a steep cost of RS24.26 per year. Unit. Similarly, electricity came from imported coal to RS16.60 per year. Unit.
Hydroelectric and nuclear sources offered some relief – to introduce 21.94% and 17.91% to the power mix respectively – at significantly lower costs. Nuclear power stood in particular as the cheapest source of only RS2.10 per day. Unit. However, these affordable opportunities were not enough to offset the effect of more expensive fuel -based generation.
Locally Sourced Kul accounted for 14.51% of power production for RS11.21 per year. Unit, while gas -based power amounted to 8% for RS11.82 per Unit. Although oven oil contributed only 0.79% to the national grid, it remained the most expensive source that cost RS28.77 per year. Unit.
