Is the power sector drifting into a ‘death spiral’? — I on June 13, 2019Some major developments in the world’s energy market have shaken the foundation of the electricity business. These are being termed ‘disruptive’ by industry analysts since they have challenged the fundamental operating principles of the traditional electric utilities. Others have been quick to even predict that these forces are driving electric utilities into a ‘death spiral’. […]
Missed tricks in power rates management on June 8, 2019Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh announced on June 1that raising power rates and natural gas tariffs was “the only option before the government.” One cannot blame him alone because he, though not unfamiliar with the major issues of our power sector, is new to his current position. But can his government, […]
Electrifying our mobility on June 4, 2019Our prime minister has recently directed the Ministry of Climate Change to manage electric car manufacturing in the country and ensure that by 2030, 30 per cent of the cars in the country are run on electricity to curb air pollution. This appears to be a desirable initiative. It must, however, be looked at in […]
Making Naya Pakistan housing scheme sustainable on May 22, 2019“We shape our buildings; thereafter, they shape us.” – Winston Churchill The government has recently launched its Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme envisaging construction of 5 million houses for low-income people over its 5-year term. It is believed that the scheme will support more than 40 upstream industries to support the construction endeavour. One overlooked aspect, […]