Loadshedding hours to be reduced in few days: Pervaiz Ashraf

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Tuesday said loadshedding hours will be reduced within few days as additional power of 1,500MW has been added in the system.
Talking to journalists here, the minister said that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has approved Rs 14 billion to bear expenditure of oil supply to thermal power plants for smooth functioning.
He said from today a major chunk of the export-oriented industry will be exempted from loadshedding while power supply will also be increased to other sectors.
He added in order to give boost to agriculture sector 10-hour continues power supply will be provided at night time to get maximum production while textile industry will also be provided 100% supply of power.
He said power-looms will be provided continues spells of power to increase productivity as this export-oriented industry is a major contributor to country’s foreign exchange reservoirs.
He said water level in major reservoirs is also increasing which will also help improving power situation in the country. He added additional generation of 1,500 megawatts has been achieved through system optimization.
He said with the increase of power the shortfall is now estimated at 2,500MW from 4,000MW recorded few days back due to sincere efforts of the government to overcome the power crisis.
Pervaiz Ashraf said Pakistan already imports 25MW electricity from Iran, which will be further increased to provide electricity to Gwadar areas. He added plan to import 1,000MW electricity from Iran is being discussed which will be finalized soon in consultation with Iranian officials.
He said sufficient amount will be allocated in the budget for water and power sector keeping in view the increasing demand in these sector.
He said due to government energy conservation plan additional 400MW power is being received while the government is also planning to get electricity from alternative and renewable energy resources.
To a question, the minister said recent visit of Prime Minister and Senator Asif Ali Zardari to Saudi Arabia remained successful and several matters were discussed with Saudi officials including energy situation.
He said SAARC countries are willing to support each others to overcome the energy crisis and several plans are under consideration in this regard.