LAHORE, April 30: Power tariff will be reduced in the next five years as the government is striving to improve thermal-hydel mix and trying to upgrade the system to reduce line losses.

This was stated by Federal Water and Power Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao here on Wednesday while speaking at a National Conference on Sustainability of Power Distribution System arranged by the Institution of Engineers Pakistan.

The government is making all-out efforts to complete hydel projects as soon as possible so that cheap electricity can be provided to people. The completion of Ghazi Barotha Hydel Project is one big landmark that will provide 1,450 megawatts on a sustained basis. The Nelum-Jehlum project will provide another 990mw. Once these projects complete. people may get relief, he hoped.

Wapda is also investing heavily on the upgradation of its distribution system to control line losses. Budget for this has been increased from Rs500 million last year to Rs6.2 billion.

The minister said that 45 per cent of population was still living without electricity. There were 50 per cent villages without electricity. This is pathetic, he said, adding that an effort would be made to electrify every part of the country on a priority basis.

Later, talking to reporters, the minister said that all demands of the AJK government were met for Mangla Raising and a Rs29 billion resettlement package was one proof of the same. But it has come with new demands, he said, adding these demands would be considered by the government and decided in the best national interest.

The restructuring of Wapda, the minister claimed, is a priority of the government. The corporatization of its newly-created entities is complete and now they are on their way to privatization, he claimed. Later, the minister visited the Wapda House where Wapda Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Khan briefed him about receivables due against public and private organizations.