Power talks

This refers to the news report ‘Country’s installed electricity capacity increases by 30% to 29573 MW’ (Apr 27). Since summer has set in, there will be a rise in the demand for electricity. According to the report, the country has the ideal capacity of 29,573 MW while the actual production is 14,419 MW. This is significantly lower than the actual demand – 19,500 MW in April 2018. This reflects that the country has a shortage of 15,154 MW. There is a contradiction between ideal and actual production, and it must be clarified by the relevant authorities.

According to the recently published Economic Survey 2017-2018, the cumulative capacity of added electricity is 12,230 MW. So, the shortfall could be addressed. This shows the lack of planning and governance. The recent dilemma of KE is apparent and should serve as an eye-opener for Discos and the NTDC. There is another claim that the recoveries of 89 percent have been made. If this is true, why have receivables jumped to Rs922 billion? The Ministry of Energy must clarify this quantum jump in circular debt. There is a need to take drastic measures to curb all malpractices that result in loadshedding and hefty circular debt.

Engr Riaz Akbar ( Wah Cantt )