PM steps in for restoration of coal supply to Sahiwal power plant

ISLAMABAD: Amid volatile electricity supplies, the government has reshuffled the Pakistan Rail­ways freight transport team following disruptions in coal movement for base-load power stations in Punjab.

Coal stocks at the Sahiwal Power Plant, a 1,320-megawatt base-load facility, had fallen to levels sufficient for only a few days of operation as railway authorities and plant management remained engaged in prolonged legal and procedural disputes.

Informed sources said the Power Division had taken up the matter with the prime minister and the National Coordination and Management Committee (NCMC) which concluded that instead of unnecessary wrangling, the matter should have been resolved amicably given the national importance of running the base load power stations, particularly when the LNG based generation capacity was mostly unavailable.

A power sector official said the situation was now under control as coal stocks for Sahiwal power plant were currently in transit. In case of coal stocks running out, the non-availability of the said plant would not have resulted in direct 1,200MW additional power shortfall but could have created problems for the grid stability already in going through testing times. “Starting early this week, we are comfortable with fuel supply arrangements,” a power sector official told Dawn.

Govt reshuffles railway freight team to save national grid

Govt reshuffles railway freight team to save national grid

Sources said........

© Dawn Business