Staff Report
ISLAMABAD:
In an apparent bid to address challenges and enhancing efficiency in the energy sector, the cabinet division has announced the formation of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) and issued a notification in this regard.
To be Chaired by the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the committee (CCoE) is comprised of key ministers and officials, including the Minister for Economic Affairs, Minister for Finance, Minister for Petroleum, Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, and Minister for Power. Additionally, top officials from relevant divisions and regulatory bodies, such as the Finance Division, Power Division, Petroleum Division, Law & Justice Division, NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority), and OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority), have been co-opted as members, as per a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on March 21, 2024.
The Terms of Reference (ToRs) outlined for the committee underscore its pivotal role in ensuring the smooth implementation of energy projects currently underway or in the pipeline, in particular projects falling under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, well within timelines stipulated for these projects. The committee is also tasked with identifying and removing bottlenecks in the expeditious implementation of these projects and identifying the flaws and deficiencies of the existing legal and institutional framework governing the energy sector and formulate reform initiatives. Similarly, the committee is further mandated to review the current energy policy to rectify its weaknesses. Likewise, this committee (CCoE) will formulate policies/plans on energy conservation and regular/periodical monitoring of such policies/plans, conduct inter-ministerial coordination whenever required, but at least once every fortnight and ensure adequate stock of POL products (Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) in the country through policy/administrative measures. Furthermore, the committee aims to develop efficient energy markets through deregulation within limits allowed by regulators; and reduce theft losses in energy sector and to pass on benefits to consumer.
According to Cabinet Division’s notification, in the absence of the Prime Minister, the Minister for Petroleum will chair the meetings of the CCoE, signifying the critical role of the energy portfolio in driving the committee’s agenda.
The notification has been disseminated to various governmental bodies and officials, including the Manager of the Printing Corporation of Pakistan Press, all cabinet members, Ministers of State, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretaries/Additional Secretaries Incharge of Ministries/Divisions, Principal Information Officer, and Press Information Department, Islamabad.
