Coal-based power plants to replace oil-based units within 3 years: Power Division

February 26, 2025 (MLN): The Power Division assured during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Energy, that coal-based power plants could be established in a short period, and many oil-based power plants would be shut down within the next 3 years.

The cost of oil-based power generation was reported to be Rs30 to 32 per unit, whereas electricity generation from local coal costs Rs4 per unit while electricity from imported coal costs Rs16 per unit.

The meeting chaired by Muhammad Idrees, also addressed concerns over rising electricity costs and additional charges on consumers, according to the press release issued today.

He also stated that modern forecasting for the next ten years was being conducted for power generation.

During the meeting, the Power Division’s report revealed that LESCO consumers were burdened with 7.8 million additional units.

Committee member Rana Muhammad Hayat raised concerns over the continuous rise in electricity bills and WAPDA expenses for the past three to four years.

Expressing frustration, he questioned, “This is our government; what answer will we give to the people?” He further demanded, “Tell us when relief will be given to the people instead of burdening them further.”

Addressing the issue of local coal-based power generation, Rana Hayat stressed that the nation should know how much cheaper electricity would be if produced from local coal.

Committee member Syed Mustafa Kamal raised concerns about future energy plans, questioning, “If we shut down hydel and thermal power and switch to coal, what will be the plan ahead?” He further asked, “If coal plants face issues in the future, what will be the solution?”

In response, the committee formed a sub-committee to investigate the matter.

Copyright Mettis Link News