Islamabad, January 29, 2025: Power sector employees receive Rs6,000 worth of free electricity each month, Energy Minister Awais Leghari revealed on Wednesday, as the government explores legal measures to end the long-standing privilege.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Leghari stated that ongoing legal proceedings currently prevent the government from immediately halting free electricity for employees of the power division and generation companies.
“We have approached the Attorney General’s Office to expedite the resolution of these cases so that we can put an end to free electricity,” he said. The minister proposed replacing free power benefits with increased salaries, ensuring a fair transition while addressing financial concerns in the energy sector.
Discussing solar net metering, Leghari cautioned that it had imposed an additional Rs103 billion financial burden on regular electricity consumers.
“As solarisation increases, the financial strain on ordinary consumers grows, as we are forced to buy expensive electricity through net metering,” he explained.
The government, he added, aims to strike a balance by ensuring that net metering investors recover their costs within four years while managing its impact on general consumers.
On Tuesday, Leghari announced the government’s plan to auction surplus electricity to industries, an initiative aimed at boosting industrial growth and creating employment opportunities.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Energy, surplus electricity will be made available competitively to maximize economic and industrial benefits.
The minister also highlighted the National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, which seeks to increase EV adoption across Pakistan.
He announced that electricity tariffs for EV charging stations had been significantly reduced, making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible.
“This step aligns with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable energy solutions and reducing environmental impact,” Leghari added.
