Farkhund Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: A detailed report of the nationwide power breakdown in January was presented to the federal cabinet on Thursday. This report was compiled by a four-member inquiry committee set up on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, headed by Minister of State for Petroleum Msadik Malik.
In the report, not only the main reasons of the incident have been explained, but also suggestions have been given to identify those responsible and to avoid such incidents in the future.
The meeting was informed that on January 23, 2023, from 7:30 AM, the power breakdown happened across the country within just four minutes of tripping of the power plants. The main reason for this was human negligence in not switching on the AC circuits in the morning, that were closed at night. As soon as wind energy in the south entered into the system to meet the electricity demand in the north of the country, the frequency of the AC line increased dramatically.
Due to this sudden increase in frequency, various power plants tripped under the automatic security system.
During the meeting, the premier said that the nation is waiting for those responsible for this major incident to be punished for their serious negligence. He directed that the Power Division should take immediate departmental action against the officials guilty of this criminal negligence.
The Prime Minister inquired that if CAPCO’s power purchase agreement had expired, then why the necessary action to renew the agreement was delayed.
The PM also directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps to link the power system with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). He also directed to formulate a comprehensive action plan for reforms and submit it for cabinet approval.
Cabinet briefed on power theft
The Power Division gave a briefing to the Federal Cabinet regarding power theft and line losses. It was suggested by the Power Division to form a special police force to bring the situation under control in areas where line losses are 60% and above.
The Prime Minister directed to constitute a special cabinet committee regarding the strategy to eliminate power theft, line losses and solarization of electrified tube wells.
The meeting was further informed that the project of solarization of electric tube wells across the country is under consideration, which will be started from Baluchistan first.
