The State Bank of Pakistan, through BPRD Circular No. 02 of 2022, has informed the Presidents/ Chief Executives of All Banks/ DFIs/ MFBs to take the measures to conserve energy and fuel in the banking sector

1. As you are aware, the Federal and Provincial Governments are taking several actions to address the prevailing energy situation in the country. In a similar bid, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has taken several measures to conserve energy. The banking industry is expected to play its role in energy and fuel conservation.

   Such measures may include the following:

• The banks may formulate a policy on “Work From Home (WFH)” whereby banks’ offices (other than branches) can observe one/two days every week as WFH to achieve the intended objectives.
• The banks may close all their premises, including branches, at 7:00 pm or earlier and switch off their electric supply except for any emergency use, call centres, monitoring of Alternative Delivery Channels (ADCs), back-ups and maintaining necessary electrical/ IT equipment. Moreover, the air-conditioners at ATM’s vestibules may be used economically.
• The electrically illuminated signboards of branches and other offices shall remain switched off at all times.
• The banks are encouraged to virtually hold their meetings (Intra/inter-city, etc.) and curtail their local and international travelling expenses.
• The banks shall encourage their staff to pool their transportation for commuting to and from their respective offices and take any other measure(s) to reduce the computation time of the bank staff.
• The banks may adopt the use of alternate and cost-effective sources of energy such as the deployment of solar technologies and encourage the use of energy-efficient equipment, fixtures and appliances on their premises.
• The banks may take other steps/ actions to curtail electricity and fuel consumption in their respective offices, including branches.

1. The banks shall enhance the awareness of their employees and customers about energy conservation initiatives and encourage them to participate in this energy conservation drive.
2. To achieve the intended objectives, the banks are advised to ensure adequate oversight and monitoring mechanisms of the energy conservation drive.
3. Considering the foregoing, banks are advised to take appropriate measures and share their energy conservation plan with SBP by June 24, 2022 (Friday). Such measures should be effective latest from July 01, 2022.