ISLAMABAD: The government has approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure approval for a special electricity bill relief package for consumers in flood-affected areas, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected to formally announce the measure in the coming days.
During a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power on Wednesday, Secretary Power Dr Fakhray Alam Irfan said the IMF requires detailed data before approving any proposal. He confirmed that a one-month waiver of electricity bills for August 2025 has already been announced, while surveys are underway to assess possible relief for commercial and industrial users.
“We have sought the IMF’s approval for relief in electricity bills for consumers impacted by floods who are unable to pay,” the Secretary stated.
The Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) has shared estimates of consumer and system losses with the IMF. Dr Irfan also revealed that while the IMF allowed for Rs640 billion in power sector losses for FY2024-25, actual losses stood at Rs397bn, reflecting improvements in sector performance. For FY2025-26, the loss target is Rs540bn.
Committee members raised concerns over unscheduled load shedding in Sindh. The Secretary directed distribution companies (Discos) to seek NEPRA’s approval for their load management plans to protect paying consumers. He further disclosed that HESCO and SEPCO will be contracted out to the private sector under long-term concessional arrangements, though ownership will remain with the government.
Lawmakers were also briefed on staff shortages, irregular postings, and consumer over-billing. Members pressed for structural reforms, improved service delivery, and targeted relief for flood-hit farmers—urging measures such as halving electricity bills for six months and extending interest-free loans to safeguard agriculture.
The meeting was attended by MNAs including Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar, Nauman Islam Shaikh, Syed Waseem Hussain, and Sanjay Perwani, along with senior officials from the Power Division, NEPRA, and Discos.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
