Centre remains focused on reducing electricity tariff: Omar Ayub

ISLAMABAD: Federal Energy Minister Omar Ayub on Sunday has asserted that the federal government remained on reducing electricity tariffs in order to facilitate the people of Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference along with Special Assistant on Power Shahzad Qasim in Islamabad, Omar Ayub criticized the previous governments for not paying attention to resolve the energy-related issues.

“The PTI-led federal government will introduce reforms in the said sector and more details will be presented before the nation in the next three weeks,” the energy minister announced.

Commenting on the agreement with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Omar Ayub said that the Centre has made agreements with the IPPs in accordance with the national interests.

He further said, “The agreement will lead to reducing the cost of power generation and improve electricity distribution system in the country,” adding that it will reduce the volume of circulatory debts besides promoting the industries.

“We have reviewed the previous agreements signed in 2002 and 2006. It is necessary to bring improvements in the power and gas sectors by ending the destructive policies of the past government,” he added.

The Energy Minister also said that the government will provide low-cost electricity to the consumers after the implementation of reform plans in the production and supply sections.

“Moreover, the government remained focused on providing electricity to the agriculture sector and small industries on minimal cost in order to decrease production cost,” he concluded.