Power tariff hike inevitable, says Ashraf

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Sajid Chaudhry
ISLAMABAD: The increase in the power tariff is inevitable but it would not hit the poor, Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf said on Thursday.

Talking to a group of journalists, Ashraf said that the decision to increase tariff would be a tough one, adding that the government would pass on the burden of tariff hike to rich consumers.

The minister said that the government had invited tenders for power generation up to 1,000MW and that the government has received offers up to 3,000MW from seven local and five foreign investors, he said.

Ashraf said projects worth over $4 billion are being considered and a 1,000 MW project would be finalised by August 15.

The minister also said that the Washington Energy Conference in Washington would help explore potential of Thar coal reserves. The conference is scheduled for July 28-29.

Ashraf told reporters about planned windmills up to 50 MW capacities. The alternative sources of energy would be explored on priority basis, he added.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2008_pg1_2