Sindh vows to provide up to 100 units of free electricity

Provincial minister Nasir Hussain Shah says PPP will not allow taxes to be imposed on solar power

Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Friday announced that the Sindh government plans to establish solar parks to contribute electricity to the national grid, saying that the initiative aims to provide free electricity for up to 100 units to consumers in the province.

Shah emphasised that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will not allow taxes to be imposed on solar power.

Addressing the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Shah assured that the government would consider the business community's energy suggestions. "We have raised the issue of load-shedding and overbilling with the Ministry of Energy and demanded on platforms like CCI and NEC that no taxes be imposed on solar power," he said.

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Elaborating on the government's plans, Shah mentioned, "We are developing a programme to provide free electricity for up to 100 units. Electricity generated from solar parks will be fed into the national grid. We have instructed power companies to ensure that electricity up to 100 units is free. The PPP's stance is clear that imposing taxes on solar power is highly inappropriate, and we have reiterated this in the Senate."

The provincial minister highlighted the allocation of 600 acres each in Malir and West districts of Karachi for solar parks, with another being developed in Jamshoro.

"Solar is a very successful model, with three programmes already in progress. We invite collaboration with the government on this model," he added.

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The minister noted that Sindh provides the cheapest electricity to the national grid, particularly from Thar coal, at 5.50 rupees per unit. "Our second project offers electricity at 15 rupees per unit, while the country produces it at 60 rupees per unit. The constitution grants provinces the first right to this power," Shah explained. He also mentioned the commencement of projects in three additional blocks, with the potential for 100 power plants in Thar.