ISLAMABAD: The federal government will introduce new power incentive packages over the next two months, announced Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari, in an effort to invigorate Pakistan’s industrial sector.
The upcoming schemes will include both seasonal and year-round incentives aimed at boosting industrial energy consumption and easing current power constraints.
The packages will include a “Winter Months Package” as well as an “All Year Incentivized Package.”
“The government is also assessing nighttime electricity consumption patterns to offer reduced rates during off-peak hours, aiming to improve industrial efficiency. This will be implemented in the next two months,” Awais Leghari said.
The government has allocated Rs60 billion for the installation of automated transformers, which will enable selective shutdowns instead of complete feeder outages, thereby maintaining power supply to compliant users.
The minister made this statement while briefing a parliamentary panel on the current key power issues, including the IPPs saga.
He also criticized the previous administration’s management of Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
He revealed that Muhammad Ali, currently Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Power, had conducted a preliminary review of IPP issues that was lacking in depth and recommended further examination.
He added that the previous cabinet’s arbitration caused harm and benefited the IPPs. Senator Shibli Faraz proposed a new audit, but Leghari suggested resolving the existing concerns before pursuing further investigations.
He also advocated for an in-camera session to discuss the previous government’s missteps with the IPPs, which occurred for 15 minutes shortly after the public briefing.
Leghari acknowledged the effect of high electricity tariffs on solar adoption, noting that 6,500MW of solar capacity was imported last year for off-grid use.
