Islamabad: The federal cabinet on Tuesday (January 3) approved the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan reducing market timing to saving energy and reducing import bills, news sources reported.
Under the new plan, the cabinet approved the energy conservation plan to close all markets by 8:30 PM and all marriage halls by 10 PM across the country, effective immediately.
Addressing a news conference here in Islamabad, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif said that the government is on track to save billions of rupees in fossil fuels and reduce the country’s historic PKR 2.437 trillion in debt since July last year. As per the new plan, the cabinet has approved the following policy measures:
The government has proposed a plan to change the overall lifestyle and habit pattern of the nation, which will save PKR 60 billion
The plan includes halting the production of electric fans, increasing taxes on imported “inefficient” fans, and not manufacturing incandescent bulbs after Feb 1, 2023
The government is also making the use of conical geysers mandatory within a year and using street lights alternatively, which will save PKR 92 billion and PKR 4 billion respectively
Electric motorcycles will be introduced in order to reduce the annual USD 3 billion fossil fuel import
The government is forming a committee to look into the work-from-home policy
The government will implement an unformed building code for the construction sector to make housing more energy efficient
It is important to note that PM Shehbaz has already ordered all federal departments to reduce their energy consumption and convert to solar energy for their needs to reduce bills by 30%.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
