Latest news with #PESCO
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PESCO launches Pension Management System
PESHAWAR: In a major step towards digital transformation and transparency, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has launched it's first-ever PESCO Pension Management System (PPMS); a comprehensive software solution in-house. The software was developed by Arif Hameed, Assistant Manager ERP under the leadership of Finance Director PESCO, Yasir Naseem, according to a statement here on Wednesday. This landmark development replaces the company's manual pension system, ensuring swift, transparent, and hassle-free processing of pension cases. The PPMS will significantly reduce the processing time for pension applications, eliminating long-standing delays and challenges faced by pensioners under the old system. Recognizing this achievement, Chairman PESCO Board of Directors, Himayatullah Khan, commended Arif Hameed for his outstanding contribution and awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation. Board Member Fazal-e-Khaliq also presented him with an Honorary Shield as a token of recognition for his commendable efforts. With this initiative, PESCO became the first power distribution company to introduce a comprehensive digital pension management system, setting a new benchmark in public service efficiency and digital transformation within the power sector. This software will manage the complete pension process from initial case preparation to final payment and monthly pension disbursements processed through PPMS eliminate the risk of duplicate payments. It will provide one-click access to detailed payment records for transparency and audit readiness and will automatically make calculations and ensure compliance with pension regulations for all case types. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister defends EMO, terms changes ‘a grave sin'
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, on Thursday staunchly defended the Economic Merit Order (EMO), declaring that any attempt to alter it would be a 'grave sin' (Gunnah Kabeera). He urged the Petroleum Division to review Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) contracts—if necessary—just as the Power Division had done with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Leghari made these remarks during a press conference focused on the performance of Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in curbing power sector losses. Highlighting improved operational efficiency, the Minister revealed that Pakistan saved Rs191 billion in FY 2024–25. Power sector losses were reduced to Rs399.7 billion, down from Rs590.9 billion in FY 2023–24. According to documents, amount of total billing was Rs 3.925 trillion, of which share of IESCO was Rs 502.75 billion, LESCO, Rs 995.95 billion, GEPCO, Rs 452.72 billion, FESCO 580.55 billion, MEPCO, Rs 620.32 billion, PESCO, Rs 29.8 billion, HESCO, Rs 156.43 billion, QESCO, Rs 124.60 billion, SEPCO, Rs 92.82 billion and TESCO, Rs 49.25 billion. The figures show reduction in recovery of Rs 132 billion between billing and recovery for FY 2024–25. Insiders have reportedly raised concerns regarding recoveries in the last quarter of the fiscal year especially in five top loss making Discos i.e. PESCO, HESCO, QESCO, SEPCO and TESCO. Power Division, however, has not shared figures of recovery, which creates doubts about the claims of recovery. System constraints: KE says unable to get more than 2,000MW from national grid 'This significant reduction is due to better performance by DISCOs. If these losses had been avoided, it would have been easier to pay off the country's debt,' he noted. Leghari admitted that the performance of Sindh-based DISCOs remained the poorest, and despite multiple efforts, the Power Division had been unable to replace the Boards of these companies. Responding to remarks by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik regarding LNG supply losses caused by underutilization by power plants, Leghari clarified that Malik was referring to contracts signed by previous governments. 'Ali Pervaiz Malik is a close friend, and his concerns are valid if the contracts are flawed,' Leghari said. 'Power plants operate under the EMO, which prioritizes electricity generation from the cheapest sources. If RLNG plants don't qualify under EMO, they simply can't be operated,' he explained. 'I consider any deviation from the EMO a grave sin. If there are issues with LNG contracts, they must be reviewed—just as we reviewed the IPP agreements.' On net metering, the Minister announced that work on revising the rate of return had been completed, and a summary would be submitted to the Federal Cabinet within one to two weeks. 'Our aim is to ensure that net metering remains sustainable and does not impose a financial burden on other electricity consumers,' he said. He emphasized that the current rate of return on solar net metering is not justified and must be revisited. 'If the net metering rate is not revised, it could add Rs3 trillion per annum to the bills of existing consumers,' he warned. ON the matte of K-Electric (KE) and its Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA), Leghari noted that the Power Division may seek a review of NEPRA's recent decision, citing the Cabinet's role in policy oversight. 'K-Electric is currently drawing 1,600 MW from the national grid, and this may rise to 2,000 MW,' he said. 'If KE draws more power, a uniform tariff should be applied to ensure fairness.' Regarding the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market (CTBCM), Leghari confirmed that a summary for final approval would soon be submitted to the Cabinet. He also shared updates on surplus electricity: 'We are in talks with the IMF and international development partners to utilize 7,000 MW of surplus electricity at discounted rates to support economic growth.' Responding to another question, Leghari revealed that he had written to provincial Chief Ministers requesting the discontinuation of Electricity Duty (ED) from July 1, 2025. 'In the letters, I made it clear that the federal government cannot act as a collecting agent on their behalf,' he said. 'We did what was within the federal government's control at the time. The PTV fee has already been removed from electricity bills. So far, only one Chief Minister has responded regarding the abolition of ED. Once I receive replies from the other three, I will escalate the matter to the Prime Minister.' The Minister further stated that the base tariff had been reduced for FY 2025–26 due to the termination or renegotiation of contracts with IPPs and Government Power Plants (GPPs). He anticipated that the tariff would remain stable throughout FY 2025–26. He also reported progress in negotiations with the remaining IPPs, including wind power producers, promising to update the media on developments. In a stern message regarding electricity theft, Leghari said that in the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), major industries and furnace oil-based power plants were involved in large-scale theft. 'LESCO has launched a major operation to curb this. In some cases, a single industrial unit was found to be stealing more electricity than an entire village,' he said. 'We will continue these improvements into next year, and losses will be reduced even further. Next year will be customers' satisfaction year. Apna Meter Apni Reading is one of the steps in this direction,' the Minister concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Ferozepur Central Jail guard on duty nabs with 2 mobile phones, 4 more mobiles recovered inside the jail
FEROZPUR: Putting a question mark on the functioning of the Ferozepur Central jail, the authorities here again recovered six mobile phones on the third consecutive day, highlighting a worrying pattern of smuggling banned items into the high-security prison. Acting on a tip-off, the jail authorities conducted a search operation at Tower number 1, where PESCO employee Jaswant Singh was on duty. During the search, two touch screen mobile phones were recovered in his possession. Additionally, four more keypad mobile phones were found inside the jail premises on Wednesday. Investigating Officer Gurdeep Singh has registered a case under the Prisons Act and initiated further investigation to identify the sources and possible collaborators in this repeated breach. This marks the third straight day of mobile recoveries inside the jail as six devices were seized on June 30, five on July 1, and now six more on July 2. Alarming figures reveal that from January to June this year alone, a staggering total of 294 mobile phones have been confiscated from within the prison. Regular recovery of banned items shows serious concerns over the evident lapses in security, particularly at entry checkpoints, parole return protocols, and during visitation hours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo There is also growing suspicion about possible internal involvement, including staff, which demands stringent monitoring. The jail administration has acknowledged the severity of the situation and is expected to tighten surveillance, enhance frisking procedures, and conduct a comprehensive review of employee conduct to curb the smuggling of contraband into the jail.
Business Recorder
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
World Bank-funded project under Pesco: HEC seeks relaxation in bidding criteria
ISLAMABAD: The Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) has formally sought a relaxation in the bidding criteria for a World Bank-funded project under the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). In this regard, HEC's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has approached the WB Country Director, outlining the reasons for seeking amendments to the bidding conditions. PESCO is set to procure 18 power transformers of 132/11.5 kV, 40 MVA capacity through a WB-financed tender. HEC has recommended including a specific clause in the bidding documents that would enable fair participation of the recently privatized national enterprise. World Bank team briefed about Pesco's new projects According to the HEC CEO, the company is a well-established and reputable entity—Pakistan's only power transformer manufacturer—with operational experience dating back to 1998. To date, it has supplied 340 transformers, including 40 MVA units, to WAPDA, NTDC, K-Electric, and all distribution companies (Discos). The CEO stated that these transformers have performed reliably in the field for over 25 years without a single reported failure, earning full satisfaction from all stakeholders. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PESCO's power pledge falters on Eid
Promises of uninterrupted power supply in Peshawar during Eidul azha by the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) turned out to be empty words, as load shedding persisted across multiple areas of the city throughout the holidays. PESCO had publicly announced via social media that there would be no load shedding for three days during Eid. However, residents experienced prolonged outages in several areas, including Peshawar City, Kohat Road, and rural feeders. The announcement was met with widespread criticism online, with citizens venting their frustration at both PESCO and the federal government. Reports of meat spoiling due to power outages poured in from affected neighborhoods, while emergency response teams remained noticeably absent. Citizens continuously called complaint helplines to no avail. In Gulbela, the power shutdown led to a protest demonstration, with roads blocked for several hours. Contrastingly, electricity supply remained relatively stable in parts of inner city and Cantonment areas. However, load shedding began on the very first afternoon of Eid, much to the dismay of residents. Many pointed out that PESCO had issued an official statement promising uninterrupted power during Eid, a commitment that was clearly violated. In the sweltering summer heat, the frequent outages not only led to the spoilage of sacrificial meat but also disrupted the spirit of hospitality typically associated with Eid gatherings. Despite PESCO's announcement that there would be no load shedding in any of the city's circlesincluding Cantt, City, and Ruralresidents from areas such as Wazir Bagh, Kohat Road, Charsadda Road, Chamkani, and Doraanpur reported prolonged blackouts. These grievances quickly gained traction on social media. Adding fuel to the fire, a letter surfaced from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim, instructing PESCO not to carry out load shedding in Dera Ismail Khan during Eid, as he would be spending the holiday in his hometown. The five-day exemption from outages in that area sparked further criticism, particularly from residents in Nowshera, Swabi, and Mardan, who experienced persistent power cuts despite public assurances to the contrary. Many accused authorities of providing VIP treatment to their own constituencies while neglecting the rest. Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser also chimed in, condemning the 20-hour-long load shedding in Swabi during Eid as an act of political vendetta. In a video message, he accused the federal government and PESCO of deliberately depriving citizens of electricity on a joyous occasion, calling it a grave injustice.
