Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to shift coal powered power plants to the local coal. Chairing a high level meeting regarding the power sector in Islamabad today, he said the electricity transmission system should be improved. The Prime Minister said that in the future only clean and low cost hydropower and renewable plants will be installed in the country. The meeting was also briefed on the 600 MW solar power project under foreign investment. The Prime Minister issued instructions to the authorities concerned to speed up efforts for foreign investment in the solar energy project. He emphasized the preparations of proposals to better utilize the existing excess capacity of electricity in the industries. Shehbaz Sharif directed to accelerate the process of privatization of active GENCOs and auction of inefficient power houses. The Prime Minister issued instructions to complete all the steps within a specified period. The Prime Minister said all possible measures are being taken to reduce t he per unit price of electricity for the common man. He said reforms are underway to reduce the circular debt. The Prime Minister appreciated the Punjab government for taking concrete steps to check power theft across the province. He said the other provinces should also take comprehensive steps to prevent electricity theft. The Prime Minister also directed the authorities concerned to hire services of internationally well reputed consultants to bring improvement in the power sector. Shehbaz Sharif said the ongoing countrywide spell of rains is a good omen for increasing water level in the rivers and water reservoirs and it will also benefit generating electricity. The meeting was informed that by shifting the imported coal-fired power projects to local coal, not only valuable foreign exchange will be saved but also it will be possible to reduce the price per unit by two rupees for each consumer. Source: Radio Pakistan