Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Asif said electricity demand had risen to 19,000 mega watts. He said Sindh government had to pay Rs 57 billion under default charges.
He said a court had been approached to contain widespread electricity thefts.
The minister load-shedding of 18 to 20 hours were being conducted for those involved in power thefts. Despite various difficulties, he said, electricity supply was being ensured to industries across the country.