LHC orders to limit loadshedding up to 8 hours in Lahore

LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial Monday ordered to limit loadshedding duration up to 8 hours in Lahore.

The chief justice also sought a compliance report in this regard by April 29.

The chief justice passed the order on a petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel, a public interest litigation firm, against loadshedding in Punjab.

Earlier, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Water and Power, Zargham Shah appeared before the court on being summoned and informed about causes of reduction in power generation.

He said that three gas pipelines were destroyed in bomb blasts, which affected 1200 MW power generation. He said that many generation units were lying idle due to shortage of gas but those could be operated on alternate fuel.

The electricity produced through gas cost about Rs6 per unit but cost reach to Rs27 per unit, if alternate fuel used and it was not affordable, he added.

He further said that law and order situation and slow-melting glaciers melting were also contributing to the problem.

The chief justice was also informed that some distribution companies were utilizing more electricity then their allocated quota which was reason for unannounced loadshedding.

At this stage, the chief justice questioned why the action was not taken against such companies. "No system had been developed to check extra electricity being used by distribution companies", he added.

Ministry's counsel Khawaja Ahmad Tariq Raheem pointed out that recovery of electricity bills was a big problem in some areas and strong decisions were required for the purpose.

He further said that total electricity demand of LESCO was about 2200MW whereas approximately 1600MW electricity was being provided.

The petitioner's counsel pointed out that more then 12 hours loadshedding was being observed in Lahore despite a shortage of 600 MW only. He alleged that electricity was being provided uninterruptedly in some areas after receiving money for the purpose.

The chief justice after hearing arguments ordered concerned institutions to take steps for improving co-ordination to check extra electricity being used by distribution companies.

The chief justice also ordered to limit loadshedding duration up to 8 hours in Lahore besides adjourning matter till April 29. (APP)