ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan approved a substantial increase in fixed charges on electricity bills.
Local media, citing sources close to the development, reported that the federal cabinet has decided to raise fixed charges by 184 percent for industrial consumers.
For commercial consumers, fixed charges will rise by 150 percent, while those using electricity for agricultural tube wells will see a 100 percent increase in fixed charges.
According to sources, the cabinet also approved measures to address power outages during the meeting.
Following the recent hike, fixed electricity charges for industrial consumers will increase from Rs 440 to Rs 1250, for commercial consumers from Rs 500 to Rs 1250, and for agricultural tube well users from Rs 200 to Rs 400. These changes will take effect from July 1.
Earlier in the day, Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and openness in all privatization transactions.
Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad, he informed journalists about the federal government’s privatization policy, adding that the government has decided to privatize DISCOs and will initiate the process in consultation with the Power Division.
