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Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM commends Leghari for power sector reforms
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif has applauded Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Leghari and Secretary Power, Dr Fakhre Alam Irfan for their outstanding performance in steering the government's reform agenda in the power sector through a particularly challenging period. In appreciation letters to both the top men of Power Division, the prime minister stated that the reduction of Rs 780 billion in circular debt, bringing the overall stock down to Rs 1,614 billion, was indeed a Herculean task made possible through 'your persistent effort and effective collaboration across institutions.' 'The successful renegotiation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with more than 35 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including the termination of six contracts, is a historic intervention. These efforts have resulted in savings of approximately Rs 3.6 trillion for the national exchequer,' stated the letter. The prime minister further stated that the overall tariff reduction of Rs 8.35 per unit compared to the previous year has delivered tangible relief to power consumers, not only easing the burden on households but also invigorating industrial demand, with lasting impacts across multiple sectors of the economy. The introduction of people-centric initiatives such as 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading' exemplifies a responsive and modern approach to governance that will help reshape public trust in the power sector. 'I congratulate you and your team on these commendable strides, and I trust that your continued efforts will further strengthen Pakistan's energy security and economic resilience,' the prime minister added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Electricity subsidies: Minister questions reliability of BISP data
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Tuesday questioned the reliability of data from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) that the government intends to use for targeting and expanding electricity subsidies. Speaking during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power, chaired by MNA Muhammad Idrees, the Minister addressed several issues concerning power subsidies and theft. In response to a query by Rana Muhammad Hayat about domestic consumers using up to 200 electricity units per month, Leghari said that of the total 380 million consumers, around 180 million of them fall into this usage category, which sees an annual growth of approximately four million consumers. Targeted power subsidies under BISP: Roadmap submitted to IMF, World Bank He emphasised that subsidised electricity is meant to support low and middle-income households. 'Protected consumers are receiving electricity at an 80 percent discounted rate, which is the lowest in the region,' he stated. The Minister pointed out that many consumers using up to 300 units per month have installed solar PV systems, which they utilise during daylight hours for purposes like water extraction and operating agricultural equipment. As a result, the subsidy burden has increased significantly. 'We are moving towards reforms to ensure subsidies are extended equitably to truly deserving individuals. However, there are discrepancies in the BISP data that need to be addressed to ensure fair treatment,' Leghari said. On the issue of minor variations in monthly consumption— such as 200 versus 201 units— the Minister noted that a threshold must be established. He added that the Prime Minister has launched the 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading' mobile application to help curb over-billing. When asked about power sector losses, the Minister revealed that electricity theft accounts for Rs 250 billion annually, out of total losses amounting to Rs 500 billion. The remaining half is attributed to non-recovery of bills. He clarified that electricity cannot be supplied to illegal housing societies or slums (katchi Abadis) unless requested by local authorities. Distribution companies (Discos), he added, are only obligated to provide connections upon formal requests from relevant authorities. 'While supplying electricity to informal settlements may be financially beneficial for Discos, it ultimately burdens the national exchequer,' Leghari explained. 'Although increased consumption can lower tariffs, we cannot extend services to unregulated developments.' The Minister confirmed to Business Recorder that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had responded to his earlier correspondence regarding the discontinuation of Electricity Duty (ED) on power bills starting July 1, 2025. Responses from other provinces are still awaited, he said, adding that annual ED collections currently stand at around Rs 60–70 billion. 'We'll be discussing Sindh's response at the Prime Minister's level,' he said. Leghari acknowledged that the ED is a legitimate provincial right, but argued that provinces should collect it independently instead of using Discos as collection agents. He also expressed a desire to simplify power bills. 'If there's any variation in ED collection, a settlement process is followed. But I do not want to act as a collecting agent for provinces,' he asserted. In response to another query, Leghari confirmed that discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and development partners are ongoing regarding subsidised electricity tariffs for the industrial and agricultural sectors. However, the Committee decided to defer agenda items related to discriminatory electricity load-shedding by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and denial of basic utility rights to bill-paying constituents, as well as the comprehensive briefing by the CEO, HESCO, on electricity load-shedding and completion of grid station works at Jam Nawaz Ali, district Sanghar. The Committee reviewed the comprehensive report on the implementation status of its previous recommendations from the meeting held on May 29, 2025, and expressed satisfaction with the majority of the actions taken. The Special Secretary, Power Division, informed the Committee that in response to the Committee's recommendation, the issue of initiating electricity billing in 25 villages in Shabqadar, district Peshawar, was reconsidered. Meetings had been convened with the local community and concerned MNAs to resolve the matter. The CEO, PESCO, informed the Committee that local residents remain unwilling to clear outstanding dues or accept individual electricity meters, insisting instead on a fixed monthly lump-sum payment per household. The MNA from Charsadda apprised the Committee that the issue dates back to 1999, and electricity connections to the residents were disconnected in 2022. To resolve the issue, the MNA from Charsadda proposed the provision of solar energy system to the affected villages. However, the Minister for Power explained that actions are currently under way to curb illegal connections, and electricity meters are being installed based on Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). He further requested that the concerned MNA provide details of unauthorised connections. The Committee decided that upon receipt of the details, a sub-committee would be constituted to investigate the matter further. The Committee was also briefed on the internship programs offered during the Financial Year 2024-25 across departments under the Power Division. It was informed that a total of 1,996 unpaid and 551 paid internships had been offered. While student interns receive only a token amount of Rs. 3,000 per month, graduate engineers under the apprenticeship program are paid Rs. 75,000 per month for two-month tenure. Members expressed concern over this disparity and directed the Division to explore options for establishing a uniform and market-competitive stipend policy. Further, the Committee deliberated on the non-completion of work on two 11KV feeders— Jhalkot and Komalia— crossing the River Indus in Kohistan. It directed that WAPDA release the required funds to PESCO for timely completion of these projects. A comprehensive joint briefing was also given by HESCO and K-Electric regarding the provision of an alternate grid station (500KV to 220KV) to enhance power supply to Sindh and Karachi. This included proposals for additional transformers, upgrading the existing transformers at Jamshoro, and establishing a new 220KV Grid Station at Nawabshah. NTDC also presented a briefing on the development of an alternate power source near Sekhat Road (500KV to 220KV) in Sindh, and the installation of transmission lines from the Mirpurkhas NTDC Grid Station. Syed Waseem Hussain, MNA from Hyderabad, raised concerns about the current electricity distribution status, noting that HESCO is also supplying electricity to Karachi. He stated that due to rising demand, the distribution system is often rendered dysfunctional. At present, demand stands at 1600MW, while supply is limited to 1100MW. He proposed the establishment of a new grid station in response to the area's growing population. The Committee, after the briefing, directed the CEO, HESCO and MD, NTDC to prepare a comprehensive technical and financial report addressing grid issues and power sector reforms for presentation in the next meeting. Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, MNA from Punjab, raised the issue of numerous illegal electricity connections in Katchi Abadis in major cities. He proposed regularising these connections through fines and issuing formal demand notices. The Minister responded that power supply planning to new housing schemes depends on the prior approval of layout plans by municipal or development authorities, as power infrastructure needs to be aligned with other essential services such as water, sanitation, and road networks. Lastly, the Committee decided to take up in its next meeting the issue of varying charges levied on consumption of 200 and 201 electricity units. The Minister; however, proposed that the next session should primarily focus on electricity theft and the status of bill recoveries across the Division. The meeting was attended by MNAs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed Abbas, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Muhammad Abdul Ghaffar Watto, Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, Syed Waseem Hussain, Malik Anwar Taj, Sher Ali Arbab, Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhry, and Ali Afzal Sahi. Senior officers from Power Division, NTDC, HESCO, PESCO, K-Electric and TESCO were also present. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Power smart app introduced to get rid of over-billing
ISLAMABAD: The federal government launched a new power smart mobile application, 'Apna Metre, Apni Reading,' aimed at enhancing transparency in electricity billing and empowering consumers to take control of their monthly metre readings. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the App on Sunday developed by the Power Division under the leadership of Federal Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. According to the Power Division, the App will allow electricity consumers to take a picture of their metres on a given date and upload it on the App, based on which their monthly bill will be issued. 'Apna Meter Apni Reading' App unveiled 'Apna Metre, Apni Reading' application aims to provide an effective solution to long-standing problems such as over billing, reading errors, reading delays or inaccurate readings, and lack of transparency in the current system. This is not just a technology feature, but a tangible reform in governance to empower consumers. Under this system, consumers can keep record of their bills and have a check on the metre-reading process. Similarly, if both the consumer and the metre reader upload readings, the lower reading will be given priority, which will provide financial protection to the consumers. Moreover, if the consumer records the reading on the due date, the metre reader readings taken after that day will not be given priority and only the reading provided by the consumer will be fed in the system. This system is especially beneficial for those consumers who are eligible for government subsidies. This App will also ensure that beneficiaries continue to benefit from their subsidy by providing timely readings. It will significantly reduce over-billing, unnecessary interventions and complaints. Addressing a launching ceremony of 'Apna Metre, Apni Reading', a smart mobile phone application, the prime minister said that it is a revolutionary technology reform to ensure transparency and benefit for consumers. He said that the mobile application has been introduced in five languages which will promote the national unity and enhance coordination and harmony among provinces. He directed to introduce this application for every household from Peshawar to Karachi. He said that the government is undertaking reforms in the power sector, including revamping of the Boards of distribution companies (DISCOs), merit-based appointments and concrete steps against corrupt mafia. The prime minister said, 'Effective steps are also taken against the corrupt mafia. While a task force and the relevant minister have worked really hard for a reduction in power prices'. The prime minister said the government also held negotiations with the banks to settle down the circular debt which is a big achievement. Terming power theft as one of the major challenge for the country, he said Pakistan suffers loss of Rs 500 billion annually due to power theft. He said the Power Ministry and the entire team is working round the clock to resolve this issue. The prime minister mentioned that the government passed on the benefits of the reduction of oil prices in the international market to the power sector. Talking about solarisation, the prime minister said the government would not discourage the solarisation boom in the country as he welcomed the ongoing process, which is regarded as the most cheapest way of producing electricity in the world. He said Pakistan is among a few countries where the solarisation process was rapidly taking place. On this occasion, the prime minister announced to abolish the PTV fee from the electricity bills to provide further relief to the consumers. Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, on this occasion, said the government is prioritising use of latest technology to ensure transparency and providing relief to consumers. He said over billing is a big issue, but the launching of the App will help resolve this matter. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
29-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt not to discourage solarisation boom, committed to provide maximum relief: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday the government would not discourage solarisation boom in the country as he welcomed the ongoing process, which is regarded as the most inexpensive way of producing electricity in the world. Addressing a launching ceremony of 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading', a power smart mobile application, developed by the Ministry of Energy, Power Division, the prime minister said Pakistan was among the few countries where the solarization process was rapidly taking place. Referring to vital reforms in the power sectors, the prime minister termed the launch of the mobile app as a revolutionary reform step which would benefit the consumers. Premier announces to end PTV fee charged from the power consumers in their monthly bills. Its introduction in five languages would improve the provincial coordination and harmony among the provinces, he added. The ceremony was attended by ministers, parliamentarians and relevant authorities. Power sector: federal cabinet approves Rs1.275trn bank loan to cut circular debt The prime minister said a series of reforms were being initiated in the relevant ministry for the last one year and spearheaded by the minister and his team who had been working hard and delivering substantial results. In the past, he said the government had taken different vital decisions, and stressed upon more to provide maximum relief to the consumers. Throughout Pakistan, the prime minister said, vital reforms were introduced in the DISCOs boards where merit-based appointments were made. Effective steps were also taken against corrupt mafia, he said, adding for reduction in power prices, a task force and the minister concerned had really worked hard. The prime minister, in his address telecast on national TV channels, referred to negotiations held with the Pakistani IPPs to bring down power tariff terming it 'hard negotiations and a difficult phase'. Thus, price of per unit was reduced to Rs7.41 for the households. While the government also held negotiations with the banks to settle down the circular debt issue which was a big achievement, he added. The prime minister said when the prices of petroleum prices at the international market were sliding down, the government took its advantage and provided relief to the power consumers in the fortnightly petroleum products price adjustments. Moreover, collective decision was taken to address the rebasing issues and by capping the per unit price under the same rate. The prime minister also announced to end PTV fee charged from the power consumers in their monthly bills. He also identified two challenges in the power sector, including power theft amounting to Rs500 billion and the difference between the high production and less consumption of electricity due to solarization in the country. PM Shehbaz said the government was fully cognizant of the challenges and were exploring ways to take the country on the path of progress, besides ensuring to further reduce the power tariff for the industrial or household consumers. China exports more solar panels to Pakistan than to many G20 nations in 5 years: report Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, addressing the ceremony, said the government was depending upon use of latest technology to ensure transparency and provide relief to the consumers. He said overbilling was a big issue and the government was able to reimburse billions of rupees charged in this regard to consumers. Meter readers' mechanism was now handed over to consumers through the developed app, Leghari said.
Express Tribune
29-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt launches ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading' power smart app
The minister invited international partners to invest in the nationwide rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), estimating a $3 billion need to serve over 30 million consumers. PHOTO: File The federal government launched a new power smart mobile application, 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading', aimed at enhancing transparency in electricity billing and empowering consumers to take control of their monthly meter readings, it emerged on Sunday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the app, developed by the Power Division under the leadership of Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. The app allows users to upload a photo of their meter reading on a specific date, which will then be used to generate their bill. The move targets key issues such as overbilling, delayed or inaccurate readings, and lack of transparency in the current system. Consumers who submit their readings will override any subsequent company readings for that billing cycle. The feature is particularly beneficial for subsidised consumers, helping them avoid losing their eligibility due to minor discrepancies. For example, crossing the 200-unit usage threshold by even one unit can spike a bill from PKR 2,330 to over PKR 8,000.
