Govt unveils energy conservation plan: Markets to close by 8:30pm, wedding halls 10pm

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Tuesday announced that the federal government had approved the energy conservation plan that will enforce the closure of markets at 8:30pm and wedding halls at 10pm.

Asif announced the cabinet’s decision in a press conference. He was flanked by  ministers Sherry Rehman, Khurram Dastagir Khan, and Marriyum Aurangzeb. 

The defence minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the concerned authorities to cut the usage of electricity by all departments of the federal government by 30%. He also ordered the officials against unnecessary consumption of electricity in the offices.

The minister said, in pursuance of his order, the federal cabinet meeting, in a symbolic action was also held without the use of any electricity.

“The cabinet, on the recommendation of the power division, has allowed enforcing the energy-saving plan which will be applied to the entire country,” said Asif. He added that under the plan wedding halls will close at 10pm while markets will close at 8:30pm.

The minister said that if these guidelines regarding working hours were implemented in letter and spirit the country could save Rs62 billion.

Asif also announced that the factories producing fans run on electricity will be halted.

“Inefficient fans use around 120-130 watts of electricity. Across the globe, fans are available that use 60-80 watts,” he said, adding that the import duty on “inefficient” fans will be increased to decrease its consumption.

The defence minister said that the government is implementing a programme to reduce electricity consumption in fans. He said that all government institutions will install efficient devices to save electricity, adding that the ineffective devices have been banned.

He added that the cabinet has also approved that the manufacturing of incandescent bulbs will not be allowed after February 1, 2023. As per the minister, the move will save Rs22 billion.

Asif said that the government is also bringing a building code for the construction sector as the maintenance cost of cement, iron and glass is very high.

The minister also announced that e-bikes will be introduced countrywide.

“We are slowly shifting to electric bikes. People will be facilitated by financing via dealers to shift to these facilities,” said the minister. He added that Pakistan is using oil worth $3 billion annually.

The minister also announced that the cabinet has directed the formation of a committee to submit a report on implementing work from home in offices.

The minister said that President Arif Alvi has supported the federal government’s plan. He said that the government has spoken to all the provinces and stakeholders and has taken everyone’s stand on it as this will be a permanent feature which will be beneficial for the country.

Asif said that this plan will benefit everyone in the long term. He said that the cabinet will monitor it and review the plan that will be imposed immediately.