PAC seeks remedy for post-200 unit billing
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday took notice of the electricity tariff slab hike that penalises consumers for exceeding 200 units, directing the Power Division to propose a solution for inflated bills that persist for six months even after a single unit crosses the limit.
The committee meeting, chaired by MNA Junaid Akbar Khan, reviewed audit paras related to the Ministry of Energy. Expressing concern, the chair demanded an explanation for the prolonged penalty on consumers who exceed the 200-unit threshold once.
Officials briefed the committee on the status of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), revealing a sharp rise in installed capacity over the years. Committee member Shazia Marri questioned why provinces like Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa continue to endure up to 16 hours of load-shedding despite a surplus in electricity generation.
The power secretary informed the committee that 58% of electricity users fall under the 200-unit slab, with subsidised rates now benefiting 18 million consumersup from 11 million previously. He acknowledged the issue of high bills lasting months for consumers who breach the limit once.
"To increase the slab limit, a higher subsidy will be needed," he said, adding that the government aims to reform the system by 2027, shifting to direct subsidies using BISP data.
The Energy Ministry also noted that the installed capacity of IPPs rose from 9,765MW in 2015 to 25,642MW in 2024, with annual capacity payments jumping from Rs141 billion to Rs1.4 trillion.
Committee member Syed Naveed Qamar disputed the Power Division's claim that coal was the main driver of high electricity costs. Meanwhile, Junaid Akbar raised doubts over reports of 200% electricity generation from bagasse, calling the numbers unrealistic.
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