PEPCO CLARIFICATION

Lahore, 10 December, 2010. A spokesman of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has termed a news story carried by the Business Recorder “Massive power load shedding from 26th” (December 10, 2010) as speculative and  misleading.

The spokesman said that all rental and thermal power plants have been directed not to carry out any maintenance in December and January. He further said, that adequate financial and technical measures have been made to ensure uninterrupted supply of fuel to run thermal power plants on optimum capacity. Any apprehension regarding decrease in power generation because of fuel shortage is rejected.

The spokesman said apart from the fact that an additional capacity of 1200 MW has been added to the system this year, improved hydrology situation would add another 1500 MW as compared to previous year. Besides, all plants presently being run on gas will be immediately switched on to furnace oil in case of shortage of gas. This would adequately compensate for any loss in generation that may arise due to shortage of gas or canal closure.

The spokesman said that according to estimates worked out by PEPCO in case of any load management it would not exceed on an average from 2 to 3 hours a day.

The spokesman said that the improvement in gap between supply and demand of electricity has come about as a result of the consistent efforts of the Government to increase power generation as well as implementation of conservation measures.

25-10-2010

MD PEPCO DIRECTS COMMITTEE TO SUBMIT A REPORT ON SMART METERING WITHIN A WEEK

Energy security is as vital as food and territorial security of the country. We will have to gird up our loins and work selflessly to ensure the success of the energy reforms initiated by the Government to salvage the country out of the present energy crisis.

This was stated by Mr Rasul Khan Mahsud Managing Director PEPCO while addressing his maiden conference with the Chief Executives Officers (CEOs) of DISCOs and senior officials of PEPCO at the WAPDA House today.

Mr Mahsud, in his address to the CEOs, termed the present energy situation in the country as grave and called for redoubling of efforts by improvement in the efficiency, better delivery system and services to our customers.

Dilating on the grave energy situation in the country, Mr Mahsud said “we have no choice but to perform. Failure is not an option. “The country comes first we have to  work save the energy sector” he said.

Mr Mahsud  expressed confidence that the CEOs who were experienced energy professional would now rise to the occasion and make their contribution to bring the country out of the present energy crisis. Mr Mahsud said that he has an open mind and is prepared to give due consideration to any initiative, proposal or suggestion for improving the energy situation in the country.

The Managing Director said that he is fully aware of the financial, administrative and technical requirements of the DISCOs and assured them all out support. Mr Mahsud urged the CEOs that they will have to accelerate their efforts but cautioned that their directions should not be hasty.

The CEO LESCO Mr Saleem Akhtar briefed the conference on the Automatic Meter Reading (smart metering) pilot project. He said that these meters were installed in Shadbagh and Shadman areas on trial basis. The cost of the project is Rs 6.2 million. The unique feature of AMR is that it has a firefly installed in it. This facilitates two way communication. If anyone tinkers with the meter, bypasses it or the data is lost because of the damage to the meter the same is not only communicated in real time but also saved in adjacent meter installed within the area. The Chief Executive informed the conference that line losses showed a marked decline from 11 percent to 2.9 percent where smart meters were installed. After an intense debate over the pros and cons of the smart meters the Managing Director constituted a committee to submit a report about its technical and financial feasibility within one week.

The next issue that was discussed at the conference was the relentless complaint of overbilling by customers from all over the country. The Managing Director said that at a time when tariff are high we cannot unnecessary burden our valued customers by overbilling, this he said will not be tolerated and stringent actions will be taken against those found involved in overbilling.

The Managing Director also expressed concern over complaints of theft of electricity and line losses, which were affecting the financial health of the energy sector. Mr Mahsud said, that apart from augmentation, modernization and up gradation of the distribution system, to cut line losses we will have to launch a vigorous campaign against those who are involved in electricity theft and show no leniency if any official of the concerned distribution company collaborates in this illegal act.“Such officials are a cancer in our system and must be removed”, they will not be tolerated, he said.

The Managing Director said that industry is vital sector of the economy and its energy demands must be met on top priority. He therefore directed the distribution companies this in mind while chalking out future load management plan.

29-09-2010

USE OF IT AND GIS  TECHNOLOGY  IN THE POWER SECTOR  IS  THE ONLY WAY FORWARD FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE POWER COMPANIES- MD PEPCO
WORKSHOP ON GIS IMPLEMETATION FRAMEWORK IN POWER SECTOR OF PAKISTAN
Mr. Tahir Basharat Cheema Managing Dircetor PEPCO/Chairman PITC   in his inaugural address that “USE OF IT AND GIS  TECHNOLOGY  IN THE POWER SECTOR  IS  THE ONLY WAY FORWARD FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE POWER COMPANIES”

He appreciated the PITC efforts for organizing the technical workshop and anticipated such events to be held on regular basis.  PITC also organized in the second session of the workshop, technical presentations from the public sector leading Consulting companies to demonstrate the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and MIS synergies in Assets Management and Geodatabase applications in public and private sector at national and international level.
Power Information Technology Company (PITC) organized a technical workshop on September 29th 2010 at Wapda House Lahore on implementation of Geographic Information System and MIS technologies  in Pakistan Power sector. PITC CEO Mr. Atta ur Rehman presented the inaugural address with the welcome speech for the Chief Guest MD PEPCO/ Chairman PITC, Mr. Tahir Basharat Cheema and the representatives of Power Distribution Companies in Pakistan and NTDC.  CEO, PITC presented the objectives of the workshop and detailed the participants on the overall scope of the project.  MD PEPCO in his inaugural address emphasized on the importance and  application of the IT and GIS  technology  in the power sector and reiterated such technological requirements as the only way forward for the sustainability of the public service power companies.
The Consultant Firms that presented the technical briefs were M/s NESPAK, AOS, LMKR, Spatsol Technologies and R2V. Manager (GIS), PITC, Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed presented a comprehensive technical paper on the proposed GIS-MIS implementation framework, identified the participating stakeholders on the data requirements and the proposed implementation methodology and the future pivotal role of PITC in the cross connectivity road map of the Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and NTDC.
An open technical discussion session was also held for the participants of the workshop and feedback forms were circulated for the technical inputs and the suggestions of the participants.  The workshop ended with a word of thanks from PITC extended to all the participants, the GIS consulting companies and appreciation to the Chief Engineer Planning HESCO and General Manager QESCO for taking time off and attending the PITC workshop.

16-09-2010

Chinese delegation calls on Cheema, presents cheque of Rs 4.0 million for Prime Minister`s Flood Relief Fund

Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema Managing Director Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has said that timely completion of  747 MW Combined Cycle Guddu Power Project is  of vital importance and urged both the contractors and PEPCO officials to work closely and to cooperate with each other. He made  these remarks while talking to a seven member Chinese delegation representing M/s Harbin Power Engineering Company (Pvt) Limited, contractors of this project led by Vice President  of the Company Mr Yang Qingli who called on him at WAPDA house, today. The delegation is on a visit to Pakistan to hold talks with PEPCO and other departments to kick start the project.

Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema assured the Chinese delegation, that PEPCO will extend all possible cooperation  and share its experience, expertise and information  with the  Chinese contractors so that the project is completed well in time.

Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema said that the energy policy of present government envisages that increase in power generation should be made in tandem with the objective of producing energy at affordable cost. The 747 MW Combined Cycle Guddu Power Project is therefore of great significance, as it is not only  one of the biggest thermal projects in the country fueled by gas, but would also produce affordable energy.

Mr Cheema said that one of the causes of the present energy crisis is delay in completion of ongoing power projects. He expressed the confidence that M/s Harbin Power Engineering Company (Pvt) Limited which is one of the three largest Chinese Companies manufacturing power plants, given its experience and expertise would complete the project within the stipulated period of 30 months for the open cycle and 36 months combined cycle, if not earlier.

Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema said that the key to success is good and professional management of the project. He urged Mr Yang Qingly to hold regular meetings with officials of PEPCO and other related departments so that hurdles or delays that may come in the way of the project during its execution are removed well in advance. These interactions he said would help mitigate the issues that may pop up. “This project has to be a success story in Pakistan” he emphasized.

Mr Yang Qingly Vice President of M/s Harbin Power Engineering Company said that 27 years ago his company had installed, one of the initial blocks of the Guddu Power Project, which was the first integrated thermal power project in Pakistan. He further said that his company is cognizant of the significance of the project and assured MD PEPCO that his company would mobilize all its resources and personnel to complete the project on time.

Mr Yang Qingly also invited Mr Cheema to visit China to have a firsthand knowledge of the facilities, technology and human resource of the company.

Mr Yang Qingly presented a cheque of Rs 4.0 Million to Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema  as donation for the Prime Minister`s Flood Relief Fund, 2010.

The contract for 747 MW Combined Cycle Power Project Guddu was signed on 19 September 2009 with M/s Harbin Power Engineering Company and General Electric USA having a capacity of 747 MW, with an estimated cost of Pak Rs 59,775.41 million and is schedule to be completed within 36 months. 85 percent of the project has already been financed by China Exim Bank and US Exim Bank while the balance would be financed by the Government of Pakistan.

Other members of the delegation include Piao Renwen, Project Manager Guddu, Li Guocai Chief Engineer, Guddu, Xue Jianjun Commercial Engineer, Li Zhiwei Electrical Engineer, Zhang Tingfa Mechinical Engineer and Lou Shanhong Hydro Chemical Engineer. Mr Rafique Butt General Manager Design and Development Thermal (PEPCO) was also present during the meeting

15-09-2010

Power Plant Gifted by UAE Arrives in Pakistan

The first consignment of a 320 MW Duel Fuel power plant gifted by United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived in Pakistan on 11th September 2010.The entire plant is scheduled to reach Pakistan in three phases by the end of October 2010.The plant comprises 5 frames each of 16 MW and 8 frames each of 30 MW.

His Highness (Late) Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan had promised to donate a power plant to help efforts of the Government of Pakistan to increase power generation in the country. The power plant has been donated by the UAE Government on the request of President of Pakistan The gift by the Government of UAE not only fulfills the commitment made by (Late) Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan but also reflects the close and friendly relations between the two brotherly countries.

It would be pertinent to state here that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 04-02-2009 between Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) on behalf  of Government of Pakistan and Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) on behalf of UAE Government envisaging the commissioning of the 320 MW power plant in Pakistan. This MoU was signed by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Minister for Water and Power, Govt of Pakistan and His Highness Diab Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on behalf of the Govt of UAE.

PEPCO has already taken a decision with the approval of Government of Pakistan that the plant will be installed adjacent to Gas Turbine Station, Nishatabad Faisalabad where enough land and necessary infrastructure is already available.

General Electric Company (GEC) the manufacturers of the power plant have been approached to install the power plant. The plant will start generation of electricity after civil works and erection are completed, by the end of 2011.

PEPCO is also planning to install another 120 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant which will be fueled by the exhaust of this 320 MW power plant. This would increase efficiency and the total generation to 440 MW. The installation of the power plant is part of the efforts of PEPCO to increase power generation in the country and would help ease power shortage.

19-08-2010

PEPCO LESSENS OVERLOAD INNOVATIVELY

A large section of the 132 KV Mardan -Noshehra -Jahangira Transmission Line were washed away by floods in PESCO area resulting in extraordinary overloading of 220 KV Burhan Grid Station. This resulted in extra load shedding at the Shadi Khan, Ghurghashti, Hazro, Gondal, and Pattan grid stations.
The moment the issue came to the notice of the Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, he took immediate cognizance of the matter and directed PEPCO and PESCO authorities to immediately take measures to improve supply of electricity to the effected areas so that people could be provided relief without any delay.

As restoration of the 132 KV Mardan –Noshehra -Jahangira Transmission Line was scheduled to take place in a week’s time, Managing Director PEPCO Mr. Tahir Basharat Cheema constituted a special  team comprising engineers and staff of  the National Power Control Centre (NPCC) and NTDC to explore alternate measures.
The technical team came up with an innovative solution and connected 220 KV Burhan and the 220 KV Sangrani grid stations in parallel. This was done through splitting the bus-bars at both of the 220 KV grid stations and then connecting the 160 MVA Auto Transformers there through tie-lines already existing in the vicinity. This operation resulted in the mitigation of the over loading at the 220 KV Burhan grid station and electricity to effected areas improved immediately. This technique of connecting two 220 KV grid stations in parallel is the first of its kind in Pakistan that has been specially adopted for mitigating the problems of people. It would serve as a precedent and could be replicated when similar problems in others areas of operation are faced by other DISCOs. The people of the earlier effected areas have thanked Raja Pervaiz Ashraf for his personal intervention in ensuring smooth supply of electricity for them.

PEPCO would once again like to reiterate that it will leave no stone unturned and take all possible measures to facilitate its consumers. PEPCO also regrets the inconvenience that may have caused to its consumers due to delay in restoration of the effected transmission line in PESCO area and hopes that the consumers will continue to extend co-operation to enable it to further improve its service.

18-08-2010

220 KV SHIKARPUR GRID AT LODRA RE-ENERGIZED IN RECORD TIME  SUBMERGED IN WATER SUPPLY RESTORED TO 12 AFFECTED GRID STATIONS OF SINDH AND BALOCHISTAN

 The 220 kV Shikarpur Grid Station at Lodra, Shikarpur was inundated during the night of 14 and 15 of August 2010. The grid station was shut at 6.57 am on 15th morning to save the equipment from damage. Consequently 132 kV Radhan, Moen Jo Dhero, Mero Khan, Kambar, Warrah , Shahdad Kot, Ghari Khaira, Ruto Dero, Naudero and Larkana Grids were also shut. Additionally, 66 kV Usta Muhammad, Jhal Magsi and Ganda Kha Grids were also affected. Due to an alternate route of supply, Rutodero, Naudero and Larkana Grids were energized within an hour. Naudero-I RPP was also directed to be started on emergency basis.

            Mr Tahir Basaharat Cheema ,MD PEPCO immediately directed  the Chief Executive HESCO Mr. Nazir Sheikh, Acting Chief Executive, SEPCO Mr. Shams ud Din Sheikh and SE GSO Guddu, Mr. Abdul Shakoor Sheikh to constitue a team ,rush to the Grid Statin and undertake restoration work. The  GOC Pannu Aqil  also extended all possible logistical support  The equipment in the Grid Station specially  the auxiliary transformers , were lifted out of water through hoists and jacks. Similarly, the other equipment was also rearranged and lifted  above the flooding waters, After having lifted  the entire  grid station above the water, it  was energized through physical operation of isolators etc. while the personnel  still stood in chest deep running water. This kind of restoration work is  unprecedented in the history of Power restoration in Pakistan.The 220 KV grid station which was shut  at  6.57 am was energized at 8:17 pm. The energisation of 220KV Grid Station in such  short time was only possible  due to untiring efforts, hard work ,bravery and  ingenuity of PEPCO  Engineers .Shikarpur Grid Station at Lodra. Alhamdulillah,  is now  supplying power to the western part of Sindh and adjoining areas of Balochistan without any problem since  August 15th.

The Federal Minister for Water & Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has commended  the  team for restoring  the grid station in such a short time  and has  issued letters of appreciation to the concerned officers and staff. MD PEPCO has eulogized the services of the staff concerned and has sanctioned honoraria for them.

 PEPCO is committed  to make all out efforts  to ensure smooth supply of electricity   and is striving hard   to achieve this objective by utilizing all available resources .

16-08-2010

Uninterrupted Power Supply Be Ensured During Sehar and Iftar ---- Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema

  Lahore August 14, 2010.  A meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema Managing Director, Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) to review the power situation in the country.                                                                                       

The meeting was briefed that Gas Turbine Power Station Faisalabad is still inoperative, Guddu Power Complex is receiving 122 MMCFD gas instead of 200 MMCFD and KAPCO is receiving 10 MMCFD less than its normal requirements. This has resulted in a shortfall of 500 MW in generation capacity of these plants.  AES Lalpir, Pak Gen and some units of KAPCO are already closed because of flood situation having a total capacity of 1600 MW. Consequently the available generation capacity of the country stands reduces by 2100 MW. Mr Cheema said that every effort will be made for the early restoration of 2100 MW as and when the situation permits. 

The meeting was also informed that PEPCO is meeting the entire demand of its consumers of over 13000 MW today and therefore there was no need to resort to load shedding. 

The MD issued strict directions to CEOs of DISCOs to ensure compliance of the decision of the Federal Cabinet and the instruction of the Prime Minister to provide uninterrupted power supply to domestic consumers during Sehar and Iftar. 

The MD directed that due to the extraordinary situation, all offices of PEPCO and DISCOs will continue to remain open. All leaves of employees should be cancelled and they should be directed to join duties so that rehabilitation of Power Plants can be taken at hand as soon as flood situation improves. Mr Cheema also directed all the DISCOs to work round the clock and ensure that consumer complaint is redressed promptly   

The meeting was informed that as directed by MD a cut of Rs 500 million has been made in the operational expenses of PEPCO. He was also informed that an amount of Rs 200 million has been deposited in the Prime Minister’s relief fund 2010 and remaining amount would also be deposited shortly. This amount is apart from the Rs 33 million contributed by the employees of PEPCO.

The Chief Executive of Multan Electric Supply Company and Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) apprised the MD about the progress in the distribution of 1000 tons of food items each in their respective areas for the flood victims.

The meeting was attended by Chief financial Officer Mr Razi Abbas, CEO LESCO Mr Saleem Akhtar, General Manager Human Resources Mr Azhar Iqbal, Director General Energy Management and Conservation Mr Muhammad Khalid and other senior officials.

13-08-2010

PEPCO POWER SITUATION REVIEWED

Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema Managing Director, Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) convened a meeting here today at the WAPDA house to review the progress made by PEPCO in its efforts to provide relief   in the flood affected areas.

The CFO, Mr Razi Abbas informed the meeting that employees of PEPCO   have contributed one day salary as their contribution towards Prime Minister’s Flood relief Fund and a sum of Rs 33 million has already been collected and deposited in the Fund He also informed that Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has collected Rs 50 million and deposited the same in the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

The meeting was informed that officials of Guddu Power Complex and Thermal Power Station Muzaffargarh are hosting nearly 5000 people belonging to local population and are providing them food, shelter and health care free of cost. He appreciated the gesture of employees of the Guddu Power Complex who have already shared their residential quarters with the flood affectees.

In compliance of the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan,Mr Tahir Basharat Cheema  directed the Chief Executive Officer  of Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) to arrange 1000 tons of food items and distribute it among flood affectees of the area. Similarly CEO of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has been directed to distribute 1000 tons of food items to the flood victims of the area.

 The MD PEPCO is in touch with the CEOs of other distribution Companies as well and has directed them to assist relief efforts in their respective areas of jurisdiction and coordinate their work with the local administration. Human resource and the infrastructure available with DISCOs should be utilized to assist the local administration in relief work” he emphasised. PEPCO, he said, is already providing free and uninterrupted power supply to the local administration to ensure that relief efforts are carried out without any let or hindrance he said.

The meeting was attended by Chief financial Officer Mr Razi Abbas,CEO NTDC Rasool Khan Mehsud, CEO LESCO Mr Saleem Akhtar, General Manager Human Resources Mr Azhar Iqbal and other senior officials.