Allah Nawaz Khan
Electricity in Pakistan has become extremely expensive, and the torment of load shedding has also begun once again. By imposing various types of taxes, the price of electricity is being increased day by day. The slab system is a form of cruelty that has greatly added to the difficulties faced by the public. To make matters worse, there has been a significant increase in load shedding.
Recently, the government announced that to control electricity prices, load shedding of approximately one and a half hours per day will be implemented during peak hours — from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The government claims that if load shedding is not carried out during peak hours, the price per unit could increase by three to six rupees. Now, the possible increase has been limited to 1.5 rupees, while NEPRA has already approved an additional 1.42 rupees per unit under the Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA). Besides this, other adjustments are also ongoing, which are nothing short of cruelty towards the public.
It is being claimed that the expensive electricity and load shedding are happening due to the Iran-America conflict, because the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted the supply of fuel and LNG. The government also cites IMF conditions as a reason for increasing electricity prices. Another reason for expensive electricity is that power is being generated from costly fuel. When expensive fuel is used, electricity prices rise sharply. If electricity were produced from cheap fuel instead, it could be provided to the public at a much lower cost. However, policies that would benefit the public are deliberately avoided.
Even when conditions were normal in the past, electricity prices were already high. Due to the shortage of fuel, less electricity is being generated, which is why load shedding is being enforced. The circular debt has now reached nearly 1.9 trillion rupees, which is weakening the entire system. The installed capacity in the country is over 45,000 megawatts, but due to expensive fuel, it is not being utilized fully. Low utilization further increases the cost per unit.
Summer has almost begun, and the demand for electricity rises significantly during the summer months. Load shedding in summer becomes extremely torturous, and there is a strong possibility of a further increase in load shedding in the coming days. Load shedding does not only disrupt daily life but also badly affects businesses and the economy.
The government must take immediate steps to completely end load shedding and ensure that electricity bills are affordable for the common man. The use of solar energy must also be increased so that electricity prices can be controlled and load shedding can be eliminated.
Electricity theft is rampant in many areas, and the people who pay their bills honestly end up bearing the cost of this theft. Strict action must be taken to stop electricity theft. Free electricity provided to senior officers and the ruling elite must also be stopped. Line losses are also charged to those who pay their bills — these losses must be curtailed as well.
It is essential to reduce the wasteful use of electricity. Sometimes electricity is wasted in homes and offices. It is the duty of every citizen to prevent this wastage. Modern technology can also help save electricity, so its use should be encouraged. Meter tampering and illegal connections (kunda system) must be completely eliminated.
Electricity prices must be brought under control and load shedding must be ended. The entire power sector in Pakistan has become highly dysfunctional and needs urgent reform.
Electricity can also be generated from coal, which would be very cheap. Prices should be reduced, and the slab system must be abolished. Removing unjustified taxes can provide much-needed relief to the public.
Another injustice worth mentioning is the monthly “meter rent” being charged in the name of fixed charges — ranging from 300 to 900 rupees per month. When a consumer has already paid for the meter, why should they continue paying rent every month? There is an urgent need to review all such additional charges.
Electricity has become one of the most important necessities of the modern age. Factories need electricity to run. Cheap electricity must be provided to industries, and load shedding must be completely eliminated so that Pakistan can move towards prosperity.
Electric vehicles are now being introduced, and if the current situation of electricity in Pakistan continues, the future will be extremely worrying. According to experts, by 2040, almost all vehicles could shift to electricity. If Pakistan fails to control electricity generation and prices, the country will be left far behind.
allahnawazk012@gmail.com
