ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday approved significant increases in fixed charges on power bills in Pakistan, according to sources.
The federal cabinet decided to raise the fixed charges for industrial power consumers by 184 percent. For commercial consumers, the charges will rise by 150 percent, and for agricultural tube wells, the increase will be 100 percent.
Additionally, the cabinet approved measures to address power outages. Following the increase, the fixed electricity charges for industrial consumers will go from Rs 440 to Rs 1250, for commercial consumers from Rs 500 to Rs 1250, and for agricultural tube wells from Rs 200 to Rs 400. These increases will take effect from July 1, 2024.
Earlier in the day, Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the government's commitment to openness and transparency in all privatization transactions.
Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad, he outlined the government's policy and strategy for privatization. He announced that the government has decided to privatize DISCOs, and the Ministry will begin this process in consultation with the Power Division.
