CCoE directs to proceed on Lucky 660MW transmission line
Ibne-e-Ameer
The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) has directed the power division and NTDC to proceed ahead with Lucky’s 660 MW transmission line interconnection project in line with the prior timeline.
Due to the government’s inability to complete transmission line work on time, Lucky Cement’s 660-megawatt local coal-fired power project worth over $1 billion has suffered a delay of about over five months.
The chairman (CCoE) has warned the stoppage of work on transmission interconnection projects as a criminal act.
The cabinet body on energy has noted that there was no legal or regulatory restraining order against the implementation of the project.
Power division briefed about stoppage of 660 MW Lucky Electric Power company Limited (LEPCL) Transmission line interconnection by FOTCO and associated financial losses.
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The power division had requested the economic coordination committee to consider the matter. It further pleaded to direct the ministry of interior to provide rangers support for security enabling NTDC to complete the project and avoid huge financial loss to the national exchequer.
During the discussion ministry of interior was of the view that the issue between Fuji oil terminal and distribution company (FOTCO) and Lucky electric power company (LEPCL) should be resolved by the power division through convening a meeting of all stakeholders.
The chairman cabinet committee on energy Asad Umar observed that there was no legal hindrance in the implementation of the project.
Therefore, he said directed the power division and NTDC to proceed ahead with the project. Moreover, he warned hindrance in this regard by any agency would be as a criminal act.
The cabinet committee on energy considered the summary ‘stoppage of 660 MW Lucky Electric Power company Limited (LEPCL) Transmission line interconnection by FOTCO and associated financial losses.
The firm has refused to accept excuses from government authorities regarding delays in constructing the necessary electricity transmission infrastructure.
According to a bourse filing, it has remained under contract with the authorities to begin commercial operation of the project by the middle of the first quarter (July-September 2021) of the fiscal year 2021-22. Originally, the firm has scheduled project to complete in March 2021.
It is the first plant to start generating electricity from Thar’s lignite coal outside of coal mines.
Furthermore, a subsidiary of the conglomerate, Lucky Electric Power Company Limited (LEPCL), is constructing the plant at Bin Qasim, Karachi, with an estimated expenditure of over $1 billion.
Read More: Lucky power plant likely to face delay
Moreover, in a bourse statement, the business stated, “The company is following up with the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC), and Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) for the earliest availability of an interconnection facility.” “The facility is critical in order to meet the commercial operating deadline.”
