Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Leghari said Wednesday that the government is taking practical steps to cut electricity tariffs for multiple consumer categories, with special attention to domestic users, as part of a strategy coordinated with ongoing IMF discussions to enhance power sector stability and economic growth.
Speaking to a local news channel, Leghari attributed the recent rise in electricity prices to the previous government’s failure to review contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
He said that distribution companies (Discos) have achieved a remarkable 101% recovery rate in controlling electricity theft, surpassing previous targets.
This achievement reflects the government’s focused efforts to clamp down on power theft, which has historically contributed to significant financial losses in the sector, he added.
According to the minister, these measures have not only improved the financial health of Discos but have also helped stabilize electricity tariffs for consumers.
He further emphasized that the current administration has taken aggressive and targeted steps to control electricity theft and reduce the financial losses faced by distribution companies (Discos).
The minister stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within the power sector to protect both the economy and consumers.
Leghari added that some areas have achieved over 90% recovery, marking a major milestone in the ongoing power sector reforms.
He affirmed that the government will continue working to stabilize electricity prices and improve service delivery across the country.
Responding a query, he made it clear that that consumers using less than 200 units are receiving 70 to 80% subsidy, with priority given to facilitating the low-income class.
He added that upcoming initiatives will prioritize support for impoverished and low-income households to ease their electricity costs.
He further explained that the government remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable segments of society by ensuring affordable access to electricity.
“Our policies are designed to provide maximum relief to those who need it the most, particularly the poor and low-income families,” he said, highlighting that ongoing reforms will keep their welfare at the forefront.
He also mentioned that controlling electricity theft remains a top priority for the government.
“Significant progress has been made in curbing power theft, which directly reduces financial losses for distribution companies and helps keep tariffs more affordable for consumers,” he said.
Leghari stressed that these efforts not only improve the financial health of the power sector but also ensure that the benefits of reforms reach all segments of society, especially the poor and low-income classes.