Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering raising the power relief limit from 200 to 250 units.
It is also exploring a poverty-based subsidy system to provide targeted relief to low-income households.
Minister for Power Awais Leghari shared the proposals during the Senate’s question hour on Tuesday. He said some affluent consumers use solar systems to keep grid electricity consumption below 200 units and qualify for subsidised tariffs.
Leghari said around 20 million consumers use up to 200 units of electricity. The government is reviewing tariff slabs and working on a system that would prioritise households living below the poverty line.
The minister also said the power sector’s circular debt had fallen to Rs1.67 trillion. The government aims to eliminate the debt within four years. Budgetary support for the Energy Ministry has also declined from Rs1.18 trillion to Rs700 billion.
He added that annual losses of power distribution companies had decreased, but consumers had yet to benefit from the improvement.
During the session, Senator Abid Sher Ali raised concerns over high electricity bills for protected consumers. He questioned the sharp increase in bills when consumption exceeds 200 units.
The Senate session also faced disruptions due to a lack of quorum and the absence of government members.
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