Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah today approved a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen energy conservation and efficiency initiatives across the province, directing the Sindh Energy Efficiency and Conservation Agency (SEECA) to accelerate the implementation of reforms aimed at reducing energy consumption, lowering public-sector electricity costs and promoting sustainable development.
Presiding over the fifth meeting of the SEECA Board at the Chief Minister House, the chief minister approved a series of strategic initiatives, including amendments to the SEECA Rules 2022, the establishment of a provincial Energy Efficiency Testing Laboratory, the introduction of new service regulations and an organisational framework, province-wide awareness campaigns, energy audits of public buildings and an increase in the agency’s funding.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Agha Wasif, Secretary Energy Shuhab Ansari, Special Secretary Finance Asghar Memon, SEECA Board Member Iftikhar Ahmed, SEECA General Manager Abdul Basit Siddiqui (via Zoom), and the Managing Director of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA).
The chief minister said that energy efficiency and conservation had become critical components of sustainable economic growth, environmental protection and fiscal responsibility. He directed SEECA to move beyond institutional development and focus on delivering measurable reductions in energy consumption across government departments, industries and households.
“Every unit of energy saved is equivalent to new energy generated,” the chief minister said, stressing that energy conservation was one of the most cost-effective solutions to address rising energy demand and climate-related challenges.
The board was informed that SEECA was established under the Sindh Energy Efficiency and Conservation Rules, 2022, in compliance with the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, 2016, to implement provincial energy efficiency policies and programmes. Since November 2025, the agency has completed several foundational initiatives, including compliance with workplace safety standards, the completion of the Energy Department’s energy audit, the enhancement of its digital presence and coordination with the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) to incorporate energy efficiency standards into public procurement.
Reviewing the proposed amendments to the SEECA Rules 2022, the chief minister approved measures aimed at strengthening governance, improving administrative continuity and enhancing technical representation on the board. The amendments include provisions for appointing a Managing Director from among senior government officers or experienced professionals in the energy efficiency sector, while expanding opportunities for the inclusion of technical experts and industry representatives.
The board approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art Energy Efficiency Testing Laboratory through a joint initiative of SEECA and NED University of Engineering and Technology. The laboratory will initially test fans, lighting products and electric motors in accordance with national and international standards and will support energy efficiency labelling, product certification and compliance verification.
The chief minister directed SEECA and NED University to ensure that the laboratory becomes a centre of excellence for research, innovation and capacity building. He said the facility would play a key role in supporting upcoming energy-efficient procurement policies and the proposed Sindh Green Building Code.
The board also approved the SEECA Service Regulations 2026 and a revised organisational framework designed to equip the agency with specialised technical and regulatory expertise. The new structure introduces merit-based recruitment, performance evaluation systems and professional development programmes to strengthen institutional capacity.
Emphasising the need for the government to lead by example in adopting clean technologies, the chief minister approved the procurement of electric and hybrid vehicles for SEECA’s operations. He directed the Energy Department to promote green mobility initiatives and encourage public-sector institutions to gradually transition towards energy-efficient transportation solutions.
The meeting further approved a comprehensive public awareness, outreach and capacity-building programme. The chief minister instructed SEECA to launch sustained campaigns through digital media, educational institutions, industries and government departments to promote responsible energy consumption and behavioural change.
To reduce public expenditure on electricity and improve operational efficiency, the board approved the launch of energy audits of public buildings and infrastructure across Sindh. The audits will identify energy losses in lighting systems, HVAC units, pumps, motors and electrical infrastructure, providing baseline data for future retrofitting and performance benchmarking.
Murad Ali Shah directed all provincial departments to fully cooperate with SEECA in conducting energy audits and implementing recommendations aimed at reducing electricity consumption and carbon emissions. He said the savings generated through improved energy management should be redirected towards public welfare and development initiatives.
The board was informed that SEECA’s annual budget had remained at Rs200 million since its establishment and was later reduced to Rs100 million due to lower utilisation. However, with the expansion of the agency’s mandate and the launch of new initiatives, the budgetary requirement for the fiscal year 2026-27 has increased to Rs330.85 million.
After reviewing the proposed financial plan, the chief minister approved enhanced funding for the establishment of the laboratory, energy audits, public outreach activities, the procurement of vehicles and institutional strengthening. He directed SEECA to ensure transparency, accountability and measurable outcomes for all expenditures and revenue-generating initiatives.
Concluding the meeting, the chief minister said that energy efficiency must become a central pillar of Sindh’s development strategy. He directed SEECA to submit periodic progress reports and ensure the timely implementation of all approved initiatives. The board unanimously approved all agenda items.