The Federal Cabinet on Wednesday in principle approved a five day working week to conserve energy, besdies permitting WAPDA to cut off the connection of a consumer who does not pay the bill for over 45 days.

The Federal Cabinet, which met here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, discussed in detail the conservation and efficiency plan to overcome the energy shortages in the country.

Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain told media that the government is planning to take multiple steps, including improving the efficiency of power generation companies by involving private sector, billing and distribution of the power sector in the country.

Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said that government during the past three years had provided Rs. 1000 billion in subsidizing the power sector. He said that present government has added 3400 MW of electricity in the system.