ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has issued a clarification regarding the reported ban on installing two electricity meters in Pakistan.
According to the details, the Power Division has clarified that there is no ban on installing a second electricity meter in homes.
A spokesperson of the Power Division said the news about a ban on second meters is completely false and misleading. He added that such fake news is being spread to create panic among the public.
He warned that sharing false information is a punishable offense under the PECA Act. According to the spokesperson, people can still get a second electricity meter under current rules, especially in houses that have separate portions, circuits, entrances, and kitchens.
He also said the law to stop misuse of electricity and subsidies is already in place and is being fully enforced.
The Power Division has requested the public to cooperate with distribution companies to ensure fair and legal use of electricity meters.
Punjab Govt Announces Big Relief in Electricity Bills
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has decided to reduce electricity rates to give relief to the public.
The government announced that this relief will come from the profits earned by two government power companies — Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Pvt Ltd and Punjab Thermal Power Pvt Ltd.
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According to reports, the provincial cabinet has approved a 30 to 40 percent cut in the power rates of these two plants. The goal is to lower electricity bills for the public.
This move is in line with the federal government’s policy, where new rates were also fixed with private power producers (IPPs). The government said the two companies will not keep profits or use their savings. Instead, their annual income of Rs12 to 13 billion will now be used for public welfare.
Also, about Rs12 billion in company savings will not be spent, so that further tariff cuts may be possible in the future. These steps are expected to bring down electricity prices by 30 to 40 percent nationwide.
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Energy experts welcomed the decision. They said Punjab still has more options to lower power costs, such as reducing bank markups, using local currency for payments, and cutting insurance expenses.
They also suggested that the government should take responsibility for loans, but praised the current steps, saying they could help reduce electricity bills for the people.
