ISLAMABAD: China, Iran and India have offered 6500 MW electricity to Pakistan to cover 8500 MW shortfall this summer. “We have offers of 6500 MW electricity in hand from three neighbouring countries but no decision has yet been taken to import electricity from any country,” the sources added. China and Iran are willing to export 3000 MW each to Pakistan whereas India has expressed willingness to supply 500 MW.
Pakistan and India held a couple of rounds of talks on the modalities of electricity trade but failed to finalise any agreement despite the fact that the Pakistani cabinet had cleared a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). A Pakistani delegation will visit Iran during the third week of the current month to discuss electricity tariff. Electricity is already being imported from Iran; however, the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) has expired.
Iran argues in favour of a hike in tariff but Pakistan argues that since price of oil has declined massively there is no justification for an increase in the existing tariff. The sources said both countries will also discuss details of Iranian offer of 3000 MW as no groundwork has been done on this proposal at this stage. Both sides will also discuss different options on the trade of 1000 MW electricity for which an MoU was signed by the then Managing Director Pepco, Rasool Khan Mehsud.
