THIS refers to news contents that continue to appear in your newspaper from time to time in which Wapda is held responsible for loadshedding in the country.

Regrettably, this viewpoint owes itself to a misconception regarding Wapda’s functions, role and mandate.

It may be clarified for sensitisation of your readers that subsequent to introduction of the power sector reforms and unbundling of Wapda’s power wing in 2007, Wapda’s mandate is only limited to the construction of new dams and hydropower projects and operation and maintenance of the existing hydelpower stations.

The rest of the matters relating to power sector including loadshedding do not fall within the ambit of Wapda.

Matters such as thermal power generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, loadshedding, line losses, recovery of electricitybills, payment to the independent power producers (IPPs) and other organisations, etc., are now the responsibilities of public sector corporate entities.

These entities include Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco), Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), Power Generation Companies (Gencos) and Power Distribution Companies (Discos).

It is hoped that the above would help clarify confusion on this count.

MUHAMMAD ABID RANADirector, Public Relations Division, WAPDAWapda HouseLahore