June 22, 2022 (MLN): In a bid to conserve fuel and electricity amid the ongoing energy crisis, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed bank officers to work from home for one to two days a week, notification issued by SBP noted today.  

“The banks may formulate a policy on “Work From Home (WFH)” whereby banks’ offices (other than branches) can observe, one/two days in every week, as WFH to achieve the intended objectives,” the notice read.

Following the federal and provincial governments, SBP has also taken a number of measures to conserve energy.

Accordingly, the banks may close all of their premises including branches at 7:00 pm or earlier and switch off their electric supply except for any emergency use, call centers, monitoring of Alternative Delivery Channels (ADCs), backups, and maintenance of necessary electrical/ IT equipment. Moreover, the air-conditioners at ATMs vestibules may be used economically.  

In addition to it, the electrically illuminated signboards of branches and other offices shall remain switched off at all times.

Banks are encouraged to hold their meetings (Intra/inter-city etc.) virtually and also curtail their local as well as international traveling expenses. 

In order to reduce the computation time of the bank staff, the banks shall encourage their staff to pool their transportation for commuting to and from their respective offices and take any other measures.

The banks may adopt the use of alternate and cost-effective sources of energy such as the deployment of solar technologies and encourage the use of energy-efficient equipment, fixtures, and appliances on their premises.

SBP also advised banks to enhance the awareness of their employees as well as customers about energy conservation initiatives and encourage them to take part in this energy conservation drive.  

To achieve the intended objectives, the banks are suggested to ensure adequate oversight and monitoring mechanisms of an energy conservation drive.  

In view of the foregoing, banks are advised to take appropriate measures and share their energy conservation plan with SBP latest by June 24, 2022 (Friday).

The notification further noted that such measures should be effective latest from July 01, 2022.

It is expected that the banking industry will also play its role in energy and fuel conservation, it added.

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