The National Assembly Standing Committee on Power Division recommended the establishment of a 132 kV grid station at Padhana, Haripur, on Thursday, citing the larger public interest. During a meeting at Parliament House chaired by MNA Muhammad Idrees, the committee directed relevant authorities to prepare a case for additional funding and expedite all necessary technical and administrative measures.
The Secretary of the Power Division informed the committee that a report on the Padhana grid station had been submitted following a previous recommendation. However, the Secretary noted that the proposed station could not be finished with current funding and would require a separate, justified case for additional resources before a competent forum. Consequently, the committee ordered the CEO of HAZECO to initiate follow-up actions and prepare the technical justification for submission to NEPRA.
The committee also reviewed the status of an under-construction 132 kV Grid Station at Sarai Saleh, Haripur. The Secretary stated the project was conceived in 2008 to replace old 66 kV infrastructure but remained unfinished. While a decision to build it was made in 2020, subsequent assessments suggested its completion might not be justified by current load requirements.
MNA Babar Nawaz Khan raised concerns regarding the Sarai Saleh project, alleging it began without a proper feasibility study. He questioned the land valuation, the reported 80% completion status, the total expenditure, and the availability of equipment. He specifically highlighted a discrepancy regarding a reported Rs. 125 million transfer from PESCO to HAZECO, calling for a record examination to determine responsibility for irregularities and the recovery of public funds wherever warranted. He emphasized that the area suffers from excessive load-shedding and low voltage due to obsolete infrastructure.
The committee also addressed several other regional issues:
Regarding SEPCO, the committee discussed detection charges, electricity theft by small industrial units, and theft of conductors and transformers. It recommended that detection charges only be imposed on those found responsible under applicable rules and directed NEPRA and the Power Division to create a mechanism to prevent unjustified charges. SEPCO was ordered to investigate theft in Garhi Taseen, Madeji, Lakhi, and Khanpur, and submit a report on FIRs and preventive measures.
For Larkana, Kamber, and Shahdadkot, the committee directed the CEO of SEPCO to submit a report on proposed infrastructure projects, including a 220 kV Grid Station at Larkana, to address overloading and power outages.
In Islamabad, the CDA was directed to clarify the status of affected buildings in Sector E-11 and resolve pending NOCs and Layout Plans hindering connections.
The CEO of IESCO was directed to speed up land acquisition for a grid station at Hazro and fix wiring issues in Hazro and Hassan Abdal. Finally, the CEO of HAZECO was told to coordinate with MNA Muhammad Idrees to resolve infrastructure issues in Mansehra and Abbottabad.
