ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the rising cost of electricity and took notice of over-invoicing, extensions beyond agreed timelines and the absence of an effective mechanism for periodic verification of actual generation capacity by the regulator.
The committee emphasised the need for a comprehensive investigation into all Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and directed the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) to submit a detailed comparative report on capacity payments, energy payments and extensions granted. The meeting of the committee was presided over by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla to deliberate on a wide range of matters relating to civil service reforms, governance, regulation and institutional transparency.
A detailed briefing was also given by the Nepra regarding tariff determination, capacity payments, energy payments to IPPs and extensions granted to IPPs beyond the expiry of their contractual terms. Responding to queries during the meeting, Nepra’s director general (Tariff) stated that detailed data regarding energy and capacity payments could be provided by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), which is responsible for making final payments to IPPs.
The committee discussed a calling attention notice regarding the government’s reported decision to appoint principal accounting officers (PAOs) from the private sector. The secretary Establishment Division informed the committee that no such appointments had been made. However, taking serious notice of advertisements issued in this regard, the committee strongly recommended that no appointment of PAOs from the private sector be made in violation of the law.
The committee also reviewed a consumer complaint against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited regarding an excessive gas bill amounting to Rs700,000 issued to a domestic consumer. The committee questioned the conduct of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority in handling the appeal and directed the secretary Establishment Division to personally examine the matter and ensure its resolution.
Discussion on measures to ensure the due share of provinces in all federal services and corporations was referred to the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution as the appropriate forum. The committee also deliberated on “Starred Question No. 67” regarding the latest Warrants of Precedence, and members highlighted the need for revision following the creation of new offices such as the Chief of Defence Forces and Deputy Prime Minister, as well as the abolition of certain redundant positions. It was informed that the matter had been referred to the Prime Minister’s Office. The chair directed that the issue be finalised within two weeks after considering the committee’s recommendations.
The committee further discussed matters relating to the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, including the induction mechanism, selection criteria, and the high failure ratio in CSS examinations. Concerns were raised regarding reports circulating on social media alleging unusually high interview marks awarded to recent CSS toppers. The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) representative informed the committee that detailed marks were disclosed only to the candidates concerned. However, the committee directed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed written reply along with complete results in the next meeting.
