Privatisation key to DISCOs reform: experts
The key challenges faced by DISCOs included poor governance and inadequate investment. Therefore, they were placed on the active privatisation list but the process could not move forward. Photo: file
Energy experts are advocating for privatisation as a crucial step in reforming Pakistan's electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). A consultation organised by the Parliamentary Forum on Energy and Economy gathered key stakeholders to discuss the future of DISCOs. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq addressed the global challenge of power tariffs, stressing that past loadshedding issues deterred investment and increased inefficiencies in Pakistan's energy sector.
Shaheera Tahir from PRIED suggested using K-Electric (KE) as a model to improve accessibility and governance in other DISCOs. She recommended starting reforms internally with a focus on accountability and maintenance.
Former NEPRA Chairman Tauseef H Farooqui commended KE's safety record and infrastructure improvements, and stressed the need for greater focus on affordability and renewable energy projects. He asserted that regulatory oversight is essential, whether or not DISCOs are privatised. The session also reviewed international models and drew lessons from global best practices in energy management.