ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the installation of advanced electricity metres in Islamabad and other areas of the country to overcome the issue of line losses.
The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also approved the installation of advanced meters on power transformers.
The prime minister directed the authorities concerned to prepare a list of corrupt officers in the power distribution companies and depute well-reputed officers to different posts to improve the functioning of these companies, reduce the line losses and ensure better public delivery, according to APP.
The premier observed that such performing offices should be encouraged with appreciation and awards.
Read More: Chinese Power Company Desires to Develop Advance Metering Infrastructure in Pakistan
The Power Division gave the cabinet a detailed briefing regarding electricity theft, line losses and the comprehensive strategy to reduce them. The meeting was also apprised of the power theft, line losses, bills and recovery in the DISCOS with the presentation of all the relevant data, besides, issues in the way of recovery from those feeders which had been running into losses and the steps and proposals in this regard.
The prime minister directed the power division to present in the next meeting a comprehensive report on the vacant posts of essential staff in the DISCOs and stressed that the employment process should be held transparent while bringing it at par with the best global practices.
Expressing his dissatisfaction over the average seven per cent line losses, the prime minister set up a committee headed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to formulate a comprehensive plan to reduce the line losses average under phases and in line with the global practices immediately, besides submission of recommendations to bring reforms in the power distribution companies.
Minister for Trade and Production Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Power Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Marri, Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik, Minister for Science and Technology Agha Hassan Baloch, Minister for Housing Maulana Abdul Wasay, PM’s Adviser Amir Muqam and others attended the meeting.
