Federal Minister for Energy, Owais Leghari, says electricity bills have decreased, but some people still fail to notice the change. He blamed this on ignorance, saying those who don’t see the reduction have “blindfolds” over their eyes. During a press conference in Lahore, he shared new statistics and defended the government’s energy policies. He also spoke about solar panel users and the growing trend of net metering across the country.
According to the minister, nearly 18 million consumers are currently receiving electricity at a 70% discount. This major relief targets lower-income users and areas hit by natural disasters. He confirmed that flood-affected regions will continue to get financial support on their electricity bills. He also praised the efforts of the current administration for offering targeted relief. These steps, he said, are helping many households manage rising costs.
However, Leghari raised concerns about the rapid growth of solar net metering systems. He warned that users with solar setups are becoming similar to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). As a result, he said, a burden of Rs. 4 per unit is falling on regular consumers. He argued that this growing imbalance is not sustainable. Therefore, the government plans to address the issue without delay.
The minister also noted that many households have installed solar panels to stay below 200 monthly electricity units. This move helps them avoid higher charges, but it also reduces the government’s revenue. Still, Leghari insisted that electricity prices have gone down and people are paying less overall. He urged critics to look at the facts instead of spreading misinformation.
In closing, Leghari rejected claims of political interference in energy companies. He said no political hires are being made under his leadership. Instead, the government is focusing on giving more power to professional management. He stated that while others chase control, his ministry is working to fix real problems. The goal, he said, is to build a fair and balanced energy system for all.