Govt ceases free electricity for high-ranking officers in power companies

Islamabad: Power Division Secretary Rashid Langrial declared the termination of complimentary electricity privileges for government officials of grade 17 and above employed in power distribution companies (Discos).

During a media briefing in Islamabad, the power division secretary addressed various issues in the power sector and revealed that a summary regarding this decision would be formulated soon.

In July, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommended discontinuing the practice of providing free electricity to all government employees in grades 16-22.

Secretary Langrial, during the press conference, acknowledged the existing challenges within the power system that require rectification. He highlighted the mounting circular debt, which currently stands at Rs2,300 billion.

Power sector representatives present at the briefing also discussed the issue of power theft, estimating its worth to be around Rs250 billion across the nation.

They further noted that while "net metering" was contributing to the escalation of capacity payments, it might need to be phased out in due course.

The officials also addressed the concern of escalating electricity bills, attributing the primary cause to the continuous devaluation of the local currency against the US dollar.

In response to the inflated power bills, widespread protests erupted across the country, with demonstrations taking place in cities such as Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Gujranwala, and Peshawar. Protesters expressed their discontent by burning electricity bills, blocking roads, and besieging power distribution offices, demanding relief for the public.