TESCO board approves uplift, operational budget

Tribal Areas Electric Supply Company (TESCO) has approved a development budget of Rs2,570 million and an operational budget of Rs2,843 million for fiscal 2026-27, according to Business Recorder. The approvals were granted at the board's 82nd meeting in Peshawar, which was chaired by Engineer Muhammad Naeem, the board chairman. Directors and the chief executive officer, Tahir Jamal, attended the session.

The board also approved creating a special committee to study whether the distribution network can be built around artificial intelligence and modern digital technology. Formed on the chairman's instructions, the panel will assess proposed technologies against company needs, technical capacity and field conditions. Its recommendations are due at the next board meeting.

Dr. Gul Muhammad Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Engineering and Technology Mardan, told the board that artificial intelligence could sharply raise system efficiency. He pointed to smart meters, transformer monitoring and automated fault spotting, along with remote switching and renewable energy, as tools to curb power losses. Board members termed the decisions a move toward clearer operations, greater efficiency and improved consumer service.