Latest news with #NHP
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Las Vegas man identified in fatal 215 north valley crash
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A Las Vegas man has been identified by police following a deadly crash in the northeast valley. Jose Nacario Belardo, 59, died after being injured in a crash on Thursday, July 10, at approximately 7:13 a.m., along the 215 east of the North Pecos Road on-ramp in North Las Vegas, according to NHP. The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of a Chrysler sedan was traveling westbound on the 215 in the far right travel lane approaching North Pecos at a high rate of speed. The driver of the Chrysler failed to use due care and reduce speed, which caused the front of the Chrysler to strike the rear of an Infiniti QX80 utility vehicle from behind, NHP said. Both the Chrysler and the Infiniti traveled in a northwest direction across the 215 westbound travel lanes and into the desert area, north of the 215. The Chrysler came to a stop facing west. The Infiniti overturned and ejected the driver from the vehicle. The Infiniti came to rest facing north in the desert area, just north of 215, according to NHP. 2025 year to date: The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Southern Command has investigated 37 fatal crashes resulting in 38 fatalities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Calgary Herald
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Calgary Herald
Calgary's "Hail Alley" provides valuable data for hailstorm research
If there's two things that are guaranteed for the summer in Calgary, it's always Stampede and the seasonal hailstorms that hit the city right after. Following a flash hailstorm on Sunday, climate experts explain why they always take place around this time of year. Article content Due to Alberta's geography, scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada Christy Climenhaga, said it gives the province with the most optimal conditions for our 'Hail Alley.' Article content Article content Article content 'It kind of runs from Drayton Valley, south towards the south side of Calgary towards that main hail corridor, especially if you are located on the northern side of the city,' she said. Article content Article content Historically, Calgary experiences intense hail events every few years. Article content With the last few major events taking place in August of 2024 and 2022, Climenhaga said it is generally around this time of year when the dynamics of the weather play a role in creating intense storms. Article content 'You need very strong updrafts inside of a thunderstorm, often a supercell thunderstorm will produce these larger hail stones,' Climenhaga said. 'You need enough moisture, a freezing level where that moisture has to be lifted, where those ice stones can form to really all line up to get big hailstorms. Article content 'Calgary often does have that perfect setup, where you do have low enough freezing levels where you do get that moisture pushed up enough to really grow those hailstones.' Article content Article content Simon Eng, research meteorologist for the Northern Hail Project run out of Western University in Ontario, said they've received reports of Sunday's storm hosted hailstones that ranged from 40 to 45 millimetres in size, alongside gusts of wind in the 90 km/h range. Article content Article content 'You had a lesser magnitude hail event yesterday, but other factors present that may have turned up the dial and increased the risk of some of these attendant hazards that are associated with severe thunderstorms,' Eng said. Article content There are three overall programs that the NHP uses to collect data over the summer. Article content First are teams based in Olds and Olds College throughout the summer, generally tasked with chasing storms wherever they occur around the province. Article content Second is their instrumented networks branch that use specialized weather stations and equipment for hail monitoring across Calgary and surrounding agricultural areas.
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
NHP issue: Gandapur seeks PM's backing for ‘innovative' solution
ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur has sought Prime Minister's support in out-of-the-box solution to Net Hydel Profit (NHP) issue pending resolution between Wapda and provinces. In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he sought his attention to Article 161(2) of the Constitution, which mandates that the net profits earned from a hydroelectric station shall be paid to the entitled province at a rate determined by the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The Kazi Committee Methodology (KCM) was approved by the CCI in January 1991 and to that effect the first payment of Rs. 6 billion was made to the then North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in 1992. The KCM was also endorsed by the National Finance Commission (NFC), upheld by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 1997, and repeatedly reaffirmed in CCI meetings held in 1991, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2022. NHP methodology, power projects' transfer: Wapda, provinces continue to have serious differences Recognizing the financial challenges faced by the GoKP, the Federal Government introduced an 'interim arrangement,' which was duly endorsed by the CCI in 2016. This arrangement provided for NHP payments at a rate of Rs. 1.10/kWh with a 5% annual indexation, incorporated into Wapda's generation tariff, impacting the consumer tariff by approximately 18 paisa per unit. Accordingly, Wapda began making payments to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; however, these payments have not been made consistently as per the agreed arrangement. This has resulted in an outstanding shortfall of Rs. 75 billion for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Subsequently, in response to a summary moved by the Provincial Government for the full implementation of KCM, the CCI, in its 37th meeting held on April 24, 2018, constituted a committee under the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (DCPC) to deliberate on the determination of net profit rates in light of CCI decisions. This committee presented its report in December 2019, which was endorsed by the CCI. The report confirmed Rs. 128 billion as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's rightful share and Rs. 52 billion for Punjab for FY 2016-17, based on KCM. Subsequently, another committee was constituted to propose an 'Out-of-the-Box' solution for the payment of Net Hydel Profit to the entitled provinces. According to the Chief Minister, the 'Out-of-the-box' committee has held five meetings, wherein it was decided that all stakeholders would submit their proposals. The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already shared its proposal with the Planning Commission. The Chief Minister further stated that given the severe financial constraints facing the province, it is imperative to expedite the resolution of this matter. He urged the Prime Minister Office to direct the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission to convene a meeting of the 'Out-of- the-Box' Committee at the earliest to ensure a just and equitable resolution, hoping that PM's leadership would facilitate this process and be instrumental in securing the rightful share of resources for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in line with constitutional provisions and prior CCI decisions. 'I remain confident that, under your (PM Shehbaz Sharif) leadership, we can navigate these challenges and ensure a fair and transparent resolution that upholds the principles of justice and equity for all stakeholders, 'Gandapur added. The KPK government has proposed a second interim arrangement to settle the outstanding dues by increasing the electricity tariff by Rs.1/kWh. Additionally, the province reiterated its earlier stance of transferring the hydro power stations to the respective provinces. Regarding delay in NHP payments, the GoKP argued that Wapda is no longer revenue collecting agency for the power sector, as CPPA-G is acting as a collecting agency of the Federal Government, therefore, the payment should be made by CPPA-G, under Power Division. The government of KP presented following three proposals: Proposal i: payment of NHP by Federal Govt. as guaranteed under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, Presidential Order No 3, decisions of CCI from 1993 to 2022 and subsequent calculations made by Jehanzeb Committee in the report approved by CCI December 23, 2019. Federal government may consider financing of power component of a hydro power station from PSDP on the analogy of Dam component. So that the revenues generated may be made available for NHP payments to the entitled provinces: Proposal ii: transfer the existing Hydro Power stations, currently owned by Wapda, to the respective provinces, as was previously proposed by GoPb. The Power Generation Policies of 1995 and 2015 otherwise allow transfer of power stations to the provinces. Federal government may pay the outstanding NHP payments as per KCM to the provinces till the transfer of hydro power stations to the provinces. O&M can be retained by Wapda. Proposal III: Till the finalization options, the Federal Government may announce a 2nd interim arrangement of NHP payment by increasing consumer end tariff by Re1/KWh to generate the requisite funds. Provincial government suggests that Instead of Wapda, CPPA-G may directly pay NHP to the entitled provinces through ESCROW account. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
NHP methodology, power projects' transfer: Wapda, provinces continue to have serious differences
ISLAMABAD: The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and provincial governments continue to have serious differences regarding the methodology of Net Hydel Profit (NHP) and the transfer of power projects to respective provinces, sources in the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives told Business Recorder. Sharing the details, sources said that a Technical Committee comprising representatives from Wapda and the provinces is holding discussions to evolve a consensus on a workable formula. During the 5th meeting of the Committee held on January 10, 2025, it was agreed that members would furnish firmed-up proposals to be discussed in the next meeting. Based on input from stakeholders, a report will be submitted to the Council of Common Interests (CCI). KP demands Re1/unit hike: NHP: centre-provinces row reignites As per the decision, the provincial governments, Wapda, and Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC)—representing the Power Division, Ministry of Energy— submitted written comments along with their proposals, which are as follows: Govt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP): The provincial government emphasised to make the payments of NHP as per Kazi Committee Methodology (KCM), which was approved by the National Finance Commission (NFC) in 1988, Federal Cabinet in 1990, and the CCI in 1991, and its validity was further reinforced by the Supreme Court's 1997 judgment in the Gadoon Textile Case and being a constitutional right under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution. The GoKP has proposed a second interim arrangement to settle the outstanding dues by increasing the electricity tariff by Rs.1/ kWh. Additionally, the federal government reiterated its earlier stance of transferring the hydro power stations to the respective provinces. Regarding delay in NHP payments, the GoKP pointed out that Wapda is no longer a revenue collecting agency for the power sector, as CPPA-G is acting as a collecting agency of the federal government; therefore, the payment should be made by CPPA- G, under Power Division. Govt of KP presented following three proposals: (i) payment of NHP by federal government as guaranteed under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, Presidential Order No 3, decisions of CCI from 1993 to 2022 and subsequent calculations made by Jahanzeb Committee in the report approved by CCI December 23, 2019. Federal government may consider financing of power component of a hydro power station from PSDP on the analogy of Dam component. Proposal ii: so that the revenues generated may be made available for NHP payments to the entitled provinces transfer the existing Hydro Power stations, currently owned by Wapda, to the respective provinces, as was previously proposed by GoPb. The Power Generation Policies of 1995 and 2015 otherwise allow transfer of power stations to the provinces. Federal government may pay the outstanding NHP payments as per KCM to the provinces till the transfer of hydro power stations to the provinces. O&M can be retained by Wapda. Proposal iii: Till the finalization options, the federal government may announce a 2nd interim arrangement of NHP payment by increasing consumer end tariff by Rs. 1/ KWh to generate the requisite funds. Instead of Wapda, CPPA-G may directly pay NHP to the entitled provinces through ESCROW account. By determining wheeling charges based on the rate of power wheeling from Pehru Hydropower Station, PEDO be facilitated to wheel up to 1,500 MW of power, facilitating its sale through electricity wheeling. Water Usage Charges may also be enhanced to Rs. 3/ kWh. Government of Punjab: Government of Punjab mentioned that mandate of the Committee, constituted by CCI in its 41st meeting due to divergent viewpoints on KCM, was later changed through revised minutes by amending the original ToRs; i.e., 'determine an out of box solution/ methodology to determine net hydel profit' to 'propose an out of box solution for the payments of net hydel profit to entitled provinces. Therefore, Punjab maintains that without addressing the methodology issue for NHP calculation under Article 161 (2), NHP payments to the provinces cannot be resolved. As per Article 161 (2) of Constitution, CCI is to determine the revenues from bulk power supply at hydro-electric stations. However, the KCM considers the average basket price, incorporating various energy sources & factors and only accounts for the electricity losses at the point of generation, neglecting additional losses incurred during transmission, distribution, and commercial operations. Therefore, KCM is non-implementable and violative of the Constitution. Power generation mix has shifted significantly over time, with hydel's share decreasing from 60% to 23% and thermal power becoming the dominant source, accounting for 70% of total generation. Besides this, certain factors such as Energy Purchase Price (39% of tariff), Capacity Purchase Price (61% of tariff), Distribution & Supply margins, transmission charges, Market Operation Fee, and Prior Years adjustments, along with various types of taxes, contribute towards the tariff and average unit price of electricity, although these cannot be considered part of the revenue. As per minutes of 41st & 49th CCI meeting, electricity tariff is expected to increase significantly, from Rs.4.50 to Rs.7.50, alongside a rising circular debt projected to reach Rs.7 trillion by 2030. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P's rightful share
The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IGP. He can be reached at syed_shah94@ Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is facing severe financial crisis for the last so many years. Rather than stabilising, the crisis is deepening due to spiraling energy costs, unchecked inflation, a volatile border policy with Afghanistan and persistent threat of terrorism. These challenges have collectively eroded the province's fiscal capacity and stalled both its economic growth and social development. The situation is further exacerbated by structural issues. The Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), with a population of 24.149 million, and Malakand Division, home to 10 million people, have rising expectations for basic services. Yet, with a limited taxable population and chronic tax evasion, the burden is disproportionately borne by the rest of the province. This fiscal imbalance hampers the government's ability to invest in education, healthcare and infrastructure development - areas that fall squarely within the provincial domain under the Constitution. While the Constitution entrusts provinces with responsibility for social services and development, these obligations remain unfulfilled due to the federal government's delays and reluctance in releasing constitutionally mandated funds - particularly under the Net Hydel Profit (NHP) mechanism as per the AGN Qazi Methodology. To break this deadlock and enable meaningful development, K-P, like other provinces, is fully justified in demanding the convening of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC). Article 160 of the Constitution mandates that the NFC Award should consider multiple indicators, not just population size. These include poverty, revenue generation, security expenditure and geographic disadvantages. Moreover, following the merger of tribal districts, K-P's share in NFC Award stands at 19.46% - something that the federal government is constitutionally obligated to accept. But again, in the federal budget for the coming fiscal year, the enhanced share as per the addition of the population is missing. K-P's case for greater weightage in the NFC Award is grounded in logic and law. The province contributes significantly to national revenue through its oil and gas resources, and bears an extraordinary burden of security-related expenses due to its proximity to Afghanistan and the impact of terrorism. Despite this, K-P continues to suffer from delayed payments and withheld arrears under the NHP mechanism. Article 161(2) of the Constitution entitles provinces to NHP payments, and the AGN Qazi Committee's methodology - endorsed by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and the Supreme Court - lays down the formula. Yet, the arrears continue to pile up. While the province was paid Rs6 billion in 1992 based on this methodology, inconsistencies have led to an estimated Rs75 billion in unpaid dues, with some sources placing the figure above Rs1 trillion. Under an interim arrangement approved by the CCI in 2016, a rate of Rs1.10 per kilowatt-hour with 5% annual indexation was set. Yet, even this has not been consistently honored. According to the White Paper on Budget 2025-26, excise duty on oil is not paid to the province, as the rate has not been determined yet. K-P produces more than 50% of the national oil production which means it absorbs the highest loss from the unavailability of this duty. The federal government collects Petroleum Development Levy on different petroleum products. This collection is not distributed among the provinces as it is excluded from the federal divisible pool of the NFC, which is a violation of the rights of the provinces. Also, despite multiple efforts, excise duty on oil is not determined despite constitutional provision. K-P government's Adviser on Finance Muzammil Aslam is on record saying that the province had last received Rs90 billion less due to the reduction in tax collections from the federal government. Similarly, K-P seeks a fairer and more transparent share of royalties on oil and gas produced within its borders. Article 161(1)(b) mandates that these royalties should accrue to the province where the wellhead is located. Moreover, Article 172(3), inserted into the Constitution through the 18th Amendment, clearly states that the ownership of natural resources is to be shared between the Centre and the provincial governments. This necessitates amendments to the Petroleum Act, Rules and Policy, enabling joint decision-making and equitable benefits for resource-producing provinces. Despite this constitutional clarity, the federal government maintains centralised control, which K-P rightly views as unconstitutional post-18th Amendment. The province's repeated demands for financial autonomy, timely fund releases and greater decision-making in resource governance are not just political rhetoric - they are rooted in constitutional rights and fiscal necessity. The Chief Minister of K-P has, through a letter, aptly highlighted the province's precarious financial position and urged the federal government to release the pending dues, especially those for the development of NMDs. This is not just about numbers on a balance sheet; it's about ensuring peace, promoting economic activity and healing the wounds of decades of marginalisation. Justice Munir once observed that the most persistent constitutional challenge in Pakistan has been the equitable distribution of power and resources between the federation and the provinces. Today, the Constitution provides a clear framework for resolving this longstanding issue. What remains is the political will to implement it in both letter and spirit. K-P is not asking for favours; it is demanding its rightful share under the Constitution. Fulfilling these demands will not only uphold constitutional justice but also help allay longstanding grievances and the deep-rooted sense of deprivation felt across the province.
