Former interim federal minister Gohar Ejaz has revealed startling information regarding the oppressive costs of electricity for the public. He stated that electricity, which should be priced at Rs. 35 per unit, is being sold at an inflated rate of Rs. 60 per unit. In response, Minister for Energy Owais Leghari dismissed Gohar Ejaz as uninformed.
The issue of high electricity costs for the public, attributed to Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements, has led to a public confrontation on social media between former interim minister Gohar Ejaz and the current Minister for Energy Owais Leghari.
Gohar Ejaz pointed out that the production cost comes to Rs. 35 per unit, including capacity charges and fuel costs. However, distribution companies sell it to the public at Rs. 60 per unit. He criticized the government for being incompetent in managing power plants and distribution companies. He claimed that Rs. 2000 billion is being wasted annually on IPPs, the burden of which is being passed on to the public.
Minister for Energy Owais Leghari called Gohar Ejaz an uninformed and out-of-touch former minister. He explained that unilateral action against IPP agreements is not possible as the state has guaranteed these contracts. He also mentioned that steps are being taken towards privatizing loss-making power companies and institutions. Orders have already been issued for reviewing IPP agreements and conducting contract audits.
