Energy Crisis

Though the Govt. is trying its best to meet the power shortfall in the country by exploring even the alternate power sources like solar, wind, coal fired thermal etc. apart from a few hydro electric projects but the experts tell us that the energy crisis would not be resolved up to at least 2018 and could even extend beyond it. The Govt. strategy at present seems entirely focused upon producing more power to meet the shortfall rather than looking for some ways and means to make do with the power already available. Why not cut our coat according to the cloth?!  In that:

·        All markets should close before dusk, as is the practice ALL Over the developed world. All sorts of lame excuses, especially from the Karachiites, are offered which can be done away with without much ado and a spirit of nation building. This late rising and late sleeping culture is not only lethargic and wasteful but also unhealthy and sort of unIslamic.  It will save at least 2000 MWs.

·         TV to telecast from 6 to 10 PM only instead of round the clock. It will not only increase the overall national productivity many fold, increase millions and millions in man hours and cut down huge electricity bills, it will also provide the nation with the daily opportunity of listening to Pak Sar Zameen Shad Bad at the closing time.  The limited air time will force TV channels to air better quality programmes and cut down kanjar culture and profanity. Naturally, the media tycoons shall oppose it tooth and nail but hell with them when it comes to nation building. In terms of power it will save another at least 1000 MWs.

·        Ban the ACs totally in ALL offices, except where required medically. Private AC users should be billed EXHORBITANTLY.  We had no ACs in the early days of Pakistan but the nation worked more devotedly then than now. It will save at least 2000MWs.

And that’s what all our present shortfall is – about 2000 to 4000 MWs.  Of course, steps must be taken to stop electricity theft, decrease line losses and the projects for producing more power should be continued along with the above three power saving measures.     

Do our rulers have the guts to enforce such measures?!

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)