Power Division Justifies Provision of Free Electricity to Power Sector Employees

ISLAMABAD:The Power Division has defended the provision of free electricity to employees of government-owned power sector entities, claiming that it is part of their employment terms and conditions, along with other benefits such as healthcare and housing facilities.

According to the division, approximately 200,000 employees from both the public and corporate sectors receive 44.15 million units of electricity annually at no cost. Of this, 30.82 million units are allocated for current employees, while 13.32 million units are provided to retired employees.

Among the beneficiaries, 149,000 employees of distribution companies (DISCOs) receive free electricity as part of their service packages. The Power Division clarified in a written response to the National Assembly that such benefits are also common in other public and corporate sector institutions, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Pakistan Railways, and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

The move has sparked discussions about the allocation of such benefits, particularly at a time when energy consumption and costs are rising across the country. However, the Power Division maintains that these benefits are an integral part of employees’ compensation packages in the power sector.