Islamabad: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that government approved new energy conservation plan under which markets/malls would close by 8:30pm, while it also banned usage of inefficient appliances that would save country around Rs 62 billion annually.

Asif announced Cabinet’s decision in press conference flanked by ministers for Climate Change Sherry Rehman, Energy Khurram Dastgir and Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb.

He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed concerned authorities to cut usage of electricity by all departments of government by 30 percent. All government offices to install energy-efficient appliances. Use of inefficient fans of 120-130 watts to be banned. Filament bulbs will not be produced from February 1, 2023. Electronic motorbikes will be introduced. Use of conical geysers to be made mandatory within year. Streetlights across country will be turned on alternately.

Awareness campaigns to be launched on electronic, social media. New building code is being devised to increase their energy efficiency.

Asif announced that factories producing fans run on electricity will be halted. “Inefficient fans use around 120-130 watts of electricity. Across globe, fans are available that use 60-80 watts,” he said.

President Arif Alvi supported government’s plan. Country’s foreign exchange reserves’ levels barely cover month’s imports, most of which is accounted for by energy purchases from abroad with funds expected under an International Monetary Fund programme having been delayed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 04 2023

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