ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating performance of Sindh-based power distribution companies SEPCO (Sukkur Electric Supply Company) and HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company). During a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power, chaired by Muhammad Idrees, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari criticized both companies for increasing line losses while other DISCOs are showing improvement.
Leghari blamed political interference, particularly from the Pakistan Peoples Party, for the failure to replace the existing boards of SEPCO and HESCO. He also noted that the Acting CEO of HESCO continues to hold office against the ministry’s recommendations.
The committee discussed broader power sector issues, including electricity tariffs. NEPRA Chairman Waseem Mukhtar confirmed there are no immediate plans to lower tariffs in the new fiscal year. Secretary Power Division Dr. Fakhray Alam Irfan explained that 30% relief provided to industries was made possible by eliminating cross-subsidies, but no similar concession was extended to agriculture.
PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar criticized persistent line losses despite anti-theft efforts and highlighted prolonged outages affecting consumers. In response, the PESCO CEO cited improvements and pledged further relief next month, as directed by the Minister.
The committee was informed that vulnerable consumers—approximately 17 million—are receiving 48–50% price relief. To sustain this, the Power Division has requested an additional Rs. 294 billion in subsidies, warning that the middle class is shouldering the cost. The revised base tariff will take effect on July 1, 2025, with its impact seen in August bills.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
