Key figures at the Power Division, a pivotal player in the nation’s energy landscape, unveiled the government’s strategy to retire costly power plants. This move is part of a comprehensive effort to bring down electricity rates across the country. The announcement was made during a meeting with a delegation from Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan), which was primarily focused on addressing electricity concerns in Karachi, Hyderabad, and the capacity payment challenges of Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Criticism from the leadership of MQM (Pakistan) centered around the subpar services provided by K-Electric and Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, as well as the perceived overbilling. Mustafa Kamal, a Member of the National Assembly for MQM, voiced objections to the excessive profits of Independent Power Producers and capacity payments.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key figure in the nation’s leadership, responded to the ongoing discussions by granting a 10-day extension for electricity bill payments.
In an official statement, the Power Division disclosed that the MQM delegation extensively deliberated the electricity issues in Karachi. Additionally, the Power Division asserted that the delegation was briefed on the ongoing reforms in the power sector.
The delegation was informed that the federal government is diligently addressing electricity challenges nationwide. Furthermore, the Power Division highlighted plans to convert imported coal-fired power plants to run on local coal, estimating an annual saving of $1 billion through this transition. This substantial cost-saving measure is projected to result in a reduction of Rs 3.50 per unit for consumers, bringing a ray of hope for reduced electricity bills.
