PEDO staff oppose outsourcing of hydropower projects

A controversy has emerged in Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organisation after more than 70 officials raised objections to the proposed outsourcing of recently commissioned hydropower projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In a detailed letter addressed to the provincial energy and power department, 75 senior officers and staff members expressed concerns over what they described as “external interference and pressure” on key offices within the organisation. The officials alleged that administrative decisions were being influenced despite previous approvals by the PEDO Policy Board regarding an indigenous operation and maintenance (O&M) model.

The dispute centers on three run-of-the-river hydropower projects — Koto, Karora, and Jabori — with a combined generation capacity of 62.8 megawatts. According to the officials, the projects are currently functioning under the defect liability period through in-house operational arrangements and are connected to the national grid under agreements with Peshawar Electric Supply Company.

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The letter stated that the PEDO Policy Board had earlier approved a self-operated model after the reported success of the Daral Khwar hydropower project, which was managed internally by PEDO staff. Officials argued that the indigenous model should be maintained and institutionalised instead of shifting towards outsourcing.

The employees also demanded restoration of institutional autonomy and merit-based implementation of policy decisions without outside influence.

PEDO Chief Executive Officer Anwarul Haq acknowledged that the organisation’s future depended on developing the capability to operate projects independently. However, he said the transition could not happen immediately because the new projects required highly trained technical staff.

According to the CEO, at least 150 employees would be needed for full indigenous operations, while recruitment for required positions is currently underway. He suggested that a hybrid operational model may be necessary during the transition period.

Meanwhile, KP Energy Secretary Nisar Ahmad denied claims of external interference in PEDO affairs.