Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to convert high-loss electricity feeders to solar energy, aiming to reduce financial losses and ensure uninterrupted power supply in far-flung areas of the country.
High-level meeting on solarization strategy
The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review progress and future plans for solarization. The meeting focused on measures to ensure continuous electricity supply to remote and underserved regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that feeders suffering from high losses should be shifted to solar energy as a priority.
Solar conversion to reduce feeder losses
The prime minister said converting loss-making electricity feeders to solar power would significantly reduce operational losses. He noted that such feeders place a heavy burden on power distribution companies and the national exchequer.
According to the briefing, solarization would help establish environmentally friendly, low-cost, and sustainable micro-grids for local populations.
Immediate pilot projects in PESCO and KESCO
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to immediately launch pilot projects on high-loss feeders of Peshawar Electric Supply Company and Quetta Electric Supply Company.
He granted in-principle approval to the project and instructed that work begin without delay in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Community and political participation emphasized
The prime minister stressed that consultation with elected representatives and active community participation must be ensured to make the pilot projects successful. He said involving local communities would help build ownership and ensure long-term sustainability.
The meeting was informed that provincial and federal governments, along with local communities, would act as partners in the initiative.
Long-term benefits for power sector
Officials briefed the meeting that the solarization initiative would not only provide low-cost electricity but would also significantly reduce future losses of power distribution companies.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the project aligns with the government’s broader vision of sustainable energy, economic efficiency, and improved public service delivery in remote areas.
