On Tuesday, the government asked the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to increase power tariffs Rs3-5 per unit.
The higher tariff promises the government an additional revenue of Rs600 billion.
Currently, the government charges Rs6 per unit from household during day time. This is due to go up to Rs8.59 per unit. For night time consumption, the charge is expected to go up from the current charge of Rs13 to Rs14.70.
COMMENTS (8)
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My proposal to finish the following unjustified collections from domestic electricity bills:
1-TV License fee: As no body see the PTV stations, and we pay for cable network, this amount shall be collected from cable owners and most probably I think that this will be already being collected by another means. Why they are collecting amount twice for the same provision. 2-Neelum Jehlum Surcharge: Why this collection only for Nelum Jehlum project, it will be un-justification not to collect for other projects afterward. 3-Purchase tax (which is not general sale tax): It is surprising term of sale tax when we are the consumers of electricity and not selling the energy.
Will kill the poor Awam!
An average Joe has no clue what is going on with the power sector and why the increased tariffs. 600 Billion rupees (or $6B) of additional revenue needed should be enough to raise hair on anyone's back. Now if that is not taking dictates from the IMF, then what is? Also what the government needs to tell the public is the total amount of money that it raises from power tariff and what it needs to fill the gap in the power sector. That is the current situation. All of this when Pakistan is severely energy starved and there is no end in sight. What is needed is energy production from cheap sources to cover the shortfall and to reduce the dependence on expensive power produced from furnace oil. Pakistan needs an additional 10-15 thousand Mega watts of generation from reliable and cheap sources. This translates to anywhere from 20-30 Billion dollars to increase the generation capacity. Where is that money going to come from is anyone's guess, tightening the belt, reliance on loans and grants.
Before raising tariff on those who pay their dues go after those who don't pay for electricity at all, or owe money to electrical companies. Also, provinces should be charged for electricity given to them and let them crackdown on those who steal electricity and are getting a free ride from those who pay their bill. Go and do your home work first rather than these no brainers of raising tariff..
All these budget and other policies made by PML-N focuses on one thing in common, increased government revenue. Lets hope after raising a clossal revenue, the money will be used to benefit the public instead of going in the pockets of these policy makers.
Economic explosion!!!! Take that pti!