Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari on Friday said that while net metering IPPs would be introduced, the system would result in an additional burden of Rs4 per unit on electricity consumers.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Leghari stressed that the issue could not be ignored.
He noted that around 18 million consumers were already receiving electricity at a 70% discount. Many households, he said, had installed solar panels to bring their usage below 200 units, which helped reduce their bills.
“The price of electricity has gone down, and there is a clear difference in bills. Those who claim otherwise are simply turning a blind eye,” he remarked.
Rejecting allegations of political appointments, the minister asserted: “It is not us who are accused of making political appointments. People fight wars for power, but we have empowered the company.”
Leghari further announced that relief would be extended to consumers in flood-affected areas.
During the press briefing, the minister also received a cheque of Rs20 million from Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) CEO, contributed from one day’s salary of its staff to support flood victims.
Earlier this week, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved a Rs50 billion relief package for national grid consumers, funded through a levy on captive power plants.
