Federal Minister for Power, Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, has announced that relief in electricity tariffs is expected in the coming weeks following a comprehensive review of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and state-owned power plants.
Speaking to the Senate Standing Committee on Power, Leghari confirmed that all necessary information regarding the IPPs has been received. He expressed optimism about sharing positive news with the public soon, amid ongoing criticism of the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over high electricity tariffs.
To address concerns about the “unsustainable” electricity prices, the government is renegotiating contracts with IPPs. Pakistan currently has some of the highest electricity prices in the region, adding to the burden of inflation on consumers.
The Power Division also announced a fuel adjustment-based relief of up to Rs2.65 per unit for September, with consumers using up to 300 units expected to see a reduction of Rs2.19 per unit.
During the committee meeting, Leghari detailed the task force’s assessment of IPP-related return on equity, operation and maintenance costs, and outstanding dues. He assured that the IPPs’ confidence was maintained throughout the process.
Public concerns about electricity over-billing were raised by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, while the committee chair, Senator Mohsin Aziz, called for immediate action to address electricity theft and sought clarification on tariffs for bagasse-based IPPs.
