ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: As the death toll from the heatwave and prolonged power outrage across Sindh has climbed to 900, the Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif has said that the K-Electric is responsible for providing electricity to the southern province and not the federal government.
While speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Wednesday, the minister said that 650 megawatt is being provided to the K-Electric keeping in view of the difficulties of the people of Karachi. However, he added that that this private entity owes Rs57 billion to Sui Southern, Sui Northern and the Pakistan State Oil (PSO).
The minister said that the total power generation currently stands at 13,184 megawatt against the demand of 16,645 megawatt. He said that currently there is a gap of 3,000 megawatt and in such a situation unannounced load shedding is not carried out.
The water and power minister said that no load shedding is being carried out during Sehr and Iftar timings as per the promise made by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Khawaja Asif said that the government has started several power projects to cope with the energy crisis. He said that 14,000 to 15,000 MW of electricity will be added in the national grid by 2018. He said that 1,020 MW will be added to the system in 2015-16, 4,692 MW in 2016-17 while 5,142 MW in 2018.
Moreover, he said that additional 3,600 MW will be generated through the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
