ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami‘s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed has cautioned the public, already incensed by inflated power bills, about a substantial increase in per unit charges on electricity bills. Ahmed conveyed that the interim government has indicated that the per unit charges for September’s electricity bills could be as high as Rs90.
Ahmed urged people to brace themselves for the impending increase and cited the caretaker government’s statements to support his assertion. The senator also indicated that the September bills might be double as compared to August.
He said that the biggest issue is the governance of distribution companies (DISCOs) due to which they lack professional management. He bemoaned the absence of skilled linemen and operational staff within these companies.
Ahmed further identified the issue with independent power producers (IPPs), stressing that they contribute to 50% of the energy mix. He lamented that despite being rich in natural resources the country was approaching IPPs which included imported coal, RLNG, and furnace oil, and it was being paid in dollars. According to Ahmed, until Pakistan can address the IPP issue, affordable electricity will remain elusive.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about rampant corruption, noting that electricity theft reached a staggering Rs500 billion during the 15 months of the PDM rule. He pointed out that the country cannot achieve affordable electricity unless it addresses these systemic issues.
He also attributed the costliness of electricity to the continuation of IMF agreements by the governments. Mushtaq emphasized that the conditions attached to these agreements have contributed to the high electricity prices.
Protests against exorbitant power bills have gained momentum in many cities of Pakistan. The interim government has yet to announce a decision on providing relief in electricity bills.
