| GEO Business | | Energy conference begins today | Updated at: 0612 PST, Monday, April 19, 2010
 ISLAMABAD: On directives of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, a two-day energy summit to finalise a concrete roadmap to tide over existing energy crisis begins today.
All provincial chief ministers, provincial power ministers, minister for petroleum, advisor to Prime Minister on finance and other relevant cabinet members will attend the summit.
All the chief ministers and concerned officials have been invited to attend the conference along with experts' team to give their input on crisis, a ministry source said.
The experts will also discuss utilization of existing capacity of power projects; diversification of gas to the power sector; resolution of issues of payments to PEPCO, Resolution of circular debts, enable fuel base IPPs to increase production, better management to improve efficiency of power plants as well as transmission losses, focus on medium term projects for expanding capacity through construction of hydel, coal and other sources of energy, better load management and efforts for energy/electricity conservation.
They said the government was also contemplating two weekly holidays, which could help save 1,700 MW electricity. Similarly, early closure of markets could also save over 500 MW electricity a day, they added.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Prime Minister soon after his return from foreign tour called the meeting on energy and power shortage and invited all the Chief Ministers to attend the meeting. |  |
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