Public Sector Investment in Energy: Budgetary Constraints and Trade Offs in Pakistan
Abstract
The generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power is essential for the development of an economy. Potential bottlenecks in the electricity sector can have a far reaching impact on overall economic growth. In many developing countries the public sector is the most active agent in the provision of vital energy services. This article examines Pakistan's experience with public sector investment in energy. A model of government budgetary allocations to energy is developed. In applying this model to Pakistan, the paper analyses the impact of fiscal pressures, unanticipated government expenditure, and competing priorities which have constrained the government's investment programme. The main conclusion reached in the paper is that Pakistani authorities must continue to actively encourage private sector power projects. Otherwise, the country is unlikely to be able to sustain its growth given an increasingly severe energy shortage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA529300
Entities
People
- David Winterford
- Robert E. Looney
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School