Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to further reduce electricity rates for consumers and expedite the implementation of future electricity generation strategy.

Chairing a meeting to evaluate and discuss the future electricity and power plans of country in Islamabad today, he said only low-cost electricity projects should be prioritized in future.

He added that local resources should be given priority for power generation.

The Prime Minister was apprised on the progress of ongoing hydropower projects across the country.

Shehbaz Sharif said hydropower projects are low-cost sources of electricity that provide environment-friendly and affordable electricity to consumers. He said the existing power generation should also be converted to solar energy as environment-friendly and low-cost solar energy is being used to generate electricity worldwide. He said Pakistan is fortunate to have vast potential for solar energy.

Shehbaz Sharif was also updated on the progress regarding the closure of inefficient power plants that produce less electricity with more fuel.

He directed immediate shutting down of outdated power plants that produce less electricity with more fuel. He said the closure of such power plants will not only save valuable foreign exchange, spent on fuel imports, but also reduce the cost of electricity for consumers. He instructed to take immediate action against all officers who are deliberately trying to hinder reforms in the power sector.

Besides, the Prime Minister called for expediting implementation of the ongoing reforms in the power transmission system. He instructed to modernize the power transmission system as per international standards.

He directed to ensure the implementation of modern technology system for the selection and transmission of low-cost electricity based on production costs at the earliest.

The meeting was briefed on new proposed projects, progress on ongoing projects, and the reforms in the power sector.

It was also informed about the current demand and supply of electricity as well as dissolution of power plants running on imported fuel and the progress of reforms in the transmission system.

The Prime Minister directed to complete all measures for power sector reforms within the stipulated time.