Standing Committee Demands Immediate Electricity Reforms

Czechangez Khan Jadoon

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Energy (Power Division) has raised alarms over the financial burden on electricity consumers, urging the government to implement urgent reforms

In a meeting chaired by MNA Muhammad Idrees at the Parliament House, members stressed the need for consumer-focused policies to tackle excessive billing, electricity theft, and privatization concerns.

Overbilling Take Center Stage

The committee took a firm stance against skyrocketing electricity bills and additional taxes imposed under various headings.

Members directed the Ministry of Energy and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to explore immediate solutions, calling for the removal of these taxes to provide relief to consumers.

NEPRA’s chairman has been summoned to the next meeting for a detailed briefing on potential measures to reduce electricity rates.

Local Collaboration Against Theft

To address electricity theft and load-shedding, the committee proposed engaging local parliamentarians in community surveys within their constituencies. This initiative aims to curb illegal power usage and ensure more equitable energy distribution.

MNA Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan highlighted a striking example from his Phool Nagar constituency, where nearly 7.8 million units of electricity were stolen and unjustly billed to consumers.

He further criticized discrepancies in billing practices, such as the lack of meter readings and unit details, underscoring the need for accountability in the energy sector.

Privatization Sparks Debate

The privatization of the newly established Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZESCO) emerged as a contentious issue.

MNA Czechangez Khan Jadoon voiced strong objections, pointing out that HAZESCO, despite being a high-revenue generator, had been included in the privatization commission’s plans. Chairman Muhammad Idrees backed Jadoon’s concerns, urging the Federal Minister for Energy to reconsider the privatization of HAZESCO to safeguard public interest.

Govt Efforts Acknowledged but Not Enough

The committee acknowledged the Ministry of Energy’s initiatives to renegotiate contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which reportedly saved significant public funds.

However, members emphasized that these savings must translate into tangible benefits for consumers.

Minister for Energy Owais Ahmad Leghari briefed the committee on progress, such as converting 70 percent of tube wells to solar energy and reducing industrial electricity tariffs.

He assured that the ministry remains committed to addressing consumer grievances and will incorporate the committee’s suggestions into policymaking.

Unified Action for Energy

The meeting, attended by prominent parliamentarians including Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, and others, concluded with a call for cohesive and decisive actions to alleviate the energy crisis.

The members stressed that solutions must prioritize consumer welfare, transparency, and accountability to build public trust in Pakistan’s energy system.