Islamabad: The Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on Friday agreed to collaborate with the federal government in an attempt to control the power tariffs in the country, a news source reported. In this regard, the representatives of the Power Division and IPPs held a meeting.
Energy Minister Omar Ayub led the delegation of the federal government. The meeting decided to create a joint technical committee responsible for working out ways to reduce the electricity tariffs operational within the country.
In a related development, the private sector has agreed to
lend its support for reviewing the capacity payment system; intimating its decision
during the dialogues held under the Power Policies 1994 and 2002.
Previously, Ayub had made reference to the country’s continuously increasing electricity tariffs during various cabinet meetings. As a follow up effort, he came up with the idea of bringing the IPPs on board for a joint effort to control the tariff rates.
According to sources, if this committee goes on to take
concrete action on its commitments, the effort would significantly benefit both
businesses and general consumers. Acknowledging this assessment, the
authorities concerned have decided to immediately activate the committee; which
is scheduled to submit its initial report within the next few days.
