Energy Minister Announces Continued Subsidy for Consumers Using Up to 200 Units

Islamabad (News Desk) – Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari has announced that electricity subsidies for consumers using up to 200 units will continue.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the minister said that consumers using less than 200 units are already receiving subsidised electricity, with a fixed amount being charged in their bills under the subsidy mechanism.

He stated that the number of consumers benefiting from this scheme has exceeded 20 million. According to him, electricity bills now include a QR code linked to the subsidy system, allowing consumers to scan and verify their details, while efforts are underway to link all eligible users with this digital system.

Owais Leghari said that deserving consumers will continue to receive subsidies, adding that electricity has become a politically sensitive subject often used for public criticism.

He claimed that electricity prices have decreased over the past two years and that the government has reduced circular debt by Rs 780 billion. He further said reliance on local energy sources for power generation is increasing.

The minister added that 2 million consumers have been linked to their electricity meters through computerized identity cards. He rejected reports about ending subsidies for protected consumers, calling them false.

He also highlighted ongoing reforms in the power sector, stating that domestic consumers’ electricity bills have decreased by 16%, while protected consumers have seen a 32% reduction. He said a total subsidy of Rs 527 billion is being provided to domestic and agricultural users.

Leghari further said electricity prices in Azad Kashmir have been reduced by 45%, and savings of Rs 3,500 billion have been achieved through IPP contract reforms. He clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to impose new taxes on electricity bills.