"With appropriate energy conservation policy, a minimum saving up to 25 percent in various segments of the energy sector can bring saving of $2 billion per annum," sources said quoting from a presentation given to Prime Minister Muhammedmian Soomro recently.
They said that federal and provincial governments would start using energy-saving bulbs, whereas Pakistan Electrical Power Company (Pepco) would provide energy-savers free of cost to government offices and hospitals.
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), which welcomed Mushtaq as Chairman, has been directed to co-ordinate with electronic media for launching effective campaign in the masses for energy conservation.
"Citizens should be encouraged to use solar panel geysers, energy saving bulbs and public transport," sources said. They said that public-private partnership should be promoted for facilitating easy access to appropriate technology.
Energy-intensive entities would develop conservation plans and would establish help lines to guide the people and national awards would be given for prominent achievers of energy conservation in respective sectors of economy.
In future, billboards may be converted onto solar energy and government high schools and colleges in the federal capital would introduce buses/vans for pick and drop.
Private schools/colleges having more than 500 students should be advised to arrange school transport through buses and vans for pick and drop and based on energy and industry shall be asked to become more efficient in the use of energy in their industrial operations.
Ministry of Environment will prepare a work plan with timeframe in co-ordination with Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Ministry of Water & Power and Alternative Energy Development Board to put forward specific schemes and projects for achieving energy saving targets. The said work plan would be phased into short term, medium term and long term. Sources said that Rs 50 million has also been allocated for Enercon and all major entities would have their energy conservation plans with defined timelines.