PESHAWAR: Amid escalating protests against electricity bills, the Peshawar Electric Supply Cooperation (Pesco) has instructed its staff to remove all green number plates from its vehicles. In a circular, officials have ordered the grounding of non-essential vehicles to avert potential damage from angry protesters.
As demonstrations sweep the streets due to inflated electricity bills, Pesco has additionally sought police protection for its seven sub-divisions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has cited concerns over possible property vandalism.
Large-scale protests against the surge in electricity prices have erupted across Pakistan. Demonstrations have taken place in cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawab Shah, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Attock, Rahim Yar Khan, Gujranwala, Pakpattan, Quetta, and Peshawar, with similar actions occurring in Azad Kashmir.
In some instances, electric company staff responsible for electricity distribution have been subjected to physical assaults by citizens. K-Electric’s employees reportedly faced attacks while attempting to remove electricity meters in the Timber Market.
Power Division Briefs Interim PM Kakar On Electricity Prices In The Country
In another development, a meeting was summoned in response to the widespread protests across the country regarding the increase in electricity bills. Interim Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar presided over the meeting and the power division enlightened the participants. Authorities provided insights into the factors governing the cost of electricity within the country.
Officials from the power division stated that the cost of electricity fluctuates in correspondence with the consumer price index. Furthermore, the interbank offered rate (KIBOR) and adjustments in fuel prices were identified as influencing variables impacting electricity costs.
The officials conveyed that an amount of Rs 2 trillion must be settled in capacity payments over the upcoming year.
However, it was clarified that around 63.5% of domestic consumers have remained unaffected by the escalations in electricity charges. These increments were exclusively pertinent to consumers consuming 400 units or more on a monthly basis.
The officials clarified that approximately 31.6% of consumers would have to pay Rs3 to Rs6.5 per unit in their electricity costs. Only a minor portion, constituting 4.9% of consumers, encountered an augmented charge of Rs7.5 per unit for their electricity consumption.
The officials also said that the mean cost of electricity stood at Rs31.02 in August 2022. There has been an escalation, and it has now risen to Rs33.89 by August 2023.
