Gwadar Free Zone I and Gwadar Free Zone II will get 17 MW of electricity from Gwadar local power authority promising acceleration of economic activities and industrialization in Gwadar.?
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) senior official agreed to make available 17 MW to both Free Zones in Gwadar. Nearly 5 MW was sought for Gwadar Free Zone I while 12 MW was requested for Gwadar Free Zone II.
Talking to the media, Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) official said that China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC) held talks with local officials of WAPDA and succeeded in attaining the minimum required electricity. GPA will take on board both authorities to make sure the supply of 17 MW for both zones.
Usually power cost varies between Rs 28 to Rs. 32 per unit as per normal and peak hours but with intermittent pattern to the private sector. However, for Gwadar Free Zone I?and Gwadar Free Zone II, power fare will range between Rs 40 to Rs. 45 in accordance with normal and peak hours as it will be supplied in an uninterrupted manner free from outage like 24 hours, the officer disclosed.?
Meanwhile, COPHC planned to get 50 MW by installing an IPP power plant with assistance from Chinese power producers in Gwadar.?
Gwadar Port earlier used to purchase petrol for Rs. 20.3 million monthly. Chinese companies were charged Rs. 49 per unit in Gwadar Free Zone, which was very high. In a new scenario, the monthly purchase cost for Gwadar companies has soared to Rs. 25.5 million. It is more than 25 percent rise, a COPHC official stated.?
COPHC also proposed that if the government permits relevant terms and conditions consulted with IPPs, COPHC in collaboration with Chinese power producers can produce 50 MW sufficiently.
Chinese IPPs power cost will be more affordable. This will not only be a shot in the arms of the already functional enterprises but will also embolden new investors to operate in Gwadar Free Zone with a peaceful mind, the officer added.?