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Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Power smart app introduced to get rid of over-billing
ISLAMABAD: The federal government launched a new power smart mobile application, 'Apna Metre, Apni Reading,' aimed at enhancing transparency in electricity billing and empowering consumers to take control of their monthly metre readings. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the App on Sunday developed by the Power Division under the leadership of Federal Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. According to the Power Division, the App will allow electricity consumers to take a picture of their metres on a given date and upload it on the App, based on which their monthly bill will be issued. 'Apna Meter Apni Reading' App unveiled 'Apna Metre, Apni Reading' application aims to provide an effective solution to long-standing problems such as over billing, reading errors, reading delays or inaccurate readings, and lack of transparency in the current system. This is not just a technology feature, but a tangible reform in governance to empower consumers. Under this system, consumers can keep record of their bills and have a check on the metre-reading process. Similarly, if both the consumer and the metre reader upload readings, the lower reading will be given priority, which will provide financial protection to the consumers. Moreover, if the consumer records the reading on the due date, the metre reader readings taken after that day will not be given priority and only the reading provided by the consumer will be fed in the system. This system is especially beneficial for those consumers who are eligible for government subsidies. This App will also ensure that beneficiaries continue to benefit from their subsidy by providing timely readings. It will significantly reduce over-billing, unnecessary interventions and complaints. Addressing a launching ceremony of 'Apna Metre, Apni Reading', a smart mobile phone application, the prime minister said that it is a revolutionary technology reform to ensure transparency and benefit for consumers. He said that the mobile application has been introduced in five languages which will promote the national unity and enhance coordination and harmony among provinces. He directed to introduce this application for every household from Peshawar to Karachi. He said that the government is undertaking reforms in the power sector, including revamping of the Boards of distribution companies (DISCOs), merit-based appointments and concrete steps against corrupt mafia. The prime minister said, 'Effective steps are also taken against the corrupt mafia. While a task force and the relevant minister have worked really hard for a reduction in power prices'. The prime minister said the government also held negotiations with the banks to settle down the circular debt which is a big achievement. Terming power theft as one of the major challenge for the country, he said Pakistan suffers loss of Rs 500 billion annually due to power theft. He said the Power Ministry and the entire team is working round the clock to resolve this issue. The prime minister mentioned that the government passed on the benefits of the reduction of oil prices in the international market to the power sector. Talking about solarisation, the prime minister said the government would not discourage the solarisation boom in the country as he welcomed the ongoing process, which is regarded as the most cheapest way of producing electricity in the world. He said Pakistan is among a few countries where the solarisation process was rapidly taking place. On this occasion, the prime minister announced to abolish the PTV fee from the electricity bills to provide further relief to the consumers. Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, on this occasion, said the government is prioritising use of latest technology to ensure transparency and providing relief to consumers. He said over billing is a big issue, but the launching of the App will help resolve this matter. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
India wants power distribution companies to act faster on clean energy deals
June 26 (Reuters) - India's power ministry has proposed a new rule that would require electricity distribution companies to take quicker action after signing deals to buy power from clean energy projects. Under the draft rule dated June 25, distribution companies must ask for official approval from the appropriate regulatory commission within 30 days of signing the deal with an intermediary, such as a renewable energy implementing agency. This is a significant step as the industry has flagged delays from power distribution companies, which has slowed down the start of solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects. India is working towards its target of installing 500 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030, nearly triple its current capacity. The sector is grappling with several obstacles, including weak demand for tenders, land acquisition challenges, delays in power purchase agreements and project cancellations. If the approval from a regulatory commission takes too long — more than 60 days after applying or 120 days after signing the deal — the company building the project will get extra time to complete the project without being penalized, the power ministry said in its proposal. The ministry has asked for feedback on the proposal from stakeholders by July 9.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM orders swift sale of loss-making GENCOs
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for the expedited establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and the swift privatisation of loss-making power generation companies (GENCOs). During a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, officials from the Ministry of Energy's Power Division briefed him on the progress of ongoing power sector reforms. The Prime Minister also directed that the auction process of loss-making power generation companies (GENCOs) be broadcast live on media. The Power Ministry officials informed the prime minister that the government managed to raise Rs9.05 billion in revenue from the first phase of auctioning outdated and loss-making GENCOs. 2nd phase of auction for 3 defunct power plants: A muted response The officials said the second and third phases of the GENCOs auction are advancing rapidly, with the auction proceedings being broadcast live to ensure transparency. The prime minister was also told that negotiations with 36 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on electricity tariffs are expected to yield savings of Rs3.69 trillion for the national exchequer. The officials informed that measures to integrate industries directly into the national transmission grid have begun to provide uninterrupted electricity to industrial consumers. The move is expected to boost production, exports, and foreign exchange earnings. As part of structural reforms, the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDCL) has been restructured into two entities – the Energy Infrastructure Development Company and the National Grid Company – with specific roles assigned to each. Briefings also covered initiatives to promote electric mobility. An online portal for electric vehicle (EV) charging station applications is now active, with 120 applications received and 48 stations provisionally registered. Existing EV charging stations have also been regularised, the PM was told. A Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) has been established to enhance oversight and planning capabilities within the sector, the officials, adding that administrative boards of most electricity distribution companies have been restructured and are now fully operational. The meeting was also updated on major transmission line projects, including the Matiari-Moro-Rahim Yar Khan and Ghazi Brotha-Faisalabad lines. Local and international institutions have expressed interest in financing these projects. A roadmap has been developed to eliminate Rs2.4 trillion in circular debt over the next six years. To encourage energy conservation, a scheme is being developed to offer easy bank loans for the purchase of energy-saving fans. A roadmap for constructing energy-efficient buildings has also been finalised in consultation with provincial governments. The Prime Minister also ordered rapid installation of smart meters and sought a report in this regard. He said the federal government has completed the solarisation of tube-wells in Balochistan, which he said would enhance agricultural productivity in the province. 'The provision of public relief and uninterrupted electricity supply to industries are among our top priorities. Work on renewable energy and low-cost, environment-friendly projects must begin without delay.' The prime minister noted that electricity tariff relief was provided to consumers during the recent winter season. The meeting was attended by federal ministers, Awais Leghari, Ahsan Iqbal, Ali Pervaiz Malik, National Coordinator of the Power Task Force Lt Gen Zafar Iqbal, Prime Minister's Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi and other senior officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Proposed AC temperature-control norms build on 2018 guidelines
The guidelines proposed by Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar, at a conference last week to limit the operational temperature range of air conditioners across the country, build on a 2018 plan put forward by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). In 2018, the BEE, which is affiliated to the Power Ministry, issued guidelines to major commercial establishments to conserve energy through optimum temperature settings for air conditioners. The establishments included airports, hotels, shopping malls, offices and government buildings (Ministries and attached offices, State government establishments and public sector undertakings, etc). The guidelines were voluntary and the BEE said it would undertake a survey to check the proposal's effectiveness. In 2020, the government mandated that all air conditioners have a default setting of 24 degrees Celsius – considered an optimal setting for human comfort. However, this still allowed individuals to control the temperature settings to their choice. 'The new proposed guidelines take it one step further by having new air-conditioners hardwired to operate in a fixed temperature range of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius,' said Alok Kumar, a former Secretary of the Ministry of Power. He explained that while individuals may have varying degrees of thermal comfort, having a fixed range would likely increase power-consumption efficiency in closed public places, such as conference rooms and auditoriums. While Mr. Khattar stressed on promoting a 'healthy' temperature range, the Power Ministry expects the higher range to promote energy conservation. The BEE estimates that considering the current market trend, total connected load in India due to air conditioning will be about 200 gigawatt (GW) by 2030 and could further increase as only about 6% of households use one or more air conditioners currently. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal said last week that India's cooling demand amounted to around 50 GW, or roughly one-fifth of India's peak power demand. 'By increasing the temperature by 1 degree Celsius, we save 6% of electricity. There are 10 crore ACs in India, with 1.5 crore being added each year,' he said. Some countries, such as Japan, already have regulations in place for the functioning of air conditioners. Japan encourages a default setting for air conditioners at 28 degrees Celsius in offices and public buildings.
Skift
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Skift
India Plans to Limit Air Conditioning in Hotels Amid Soaring Heat and Power Demand
As global temperatures rise and warnings mount over soaring aircon demand, India's move could be just the beginning. More countries may soon be forced to follow with similar limits to keep energy systems from overuse. India is moving ahead with plans to restrict how cold air conditioners can get and the new rules will apply everywhere from homes and hotels to cars. At a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, Power Minister Manohar Lal said that a national policy is in the works to cap air conditioner temperature settings at both ends: no cooler than 20°C (68°F) and no warmer than 28°C (82°F). 'The minimum will be 20°C and the maximum at 28°C. This is what the new standard will be,' Lal said. 'People tell us it s
