Amjad Hadi Yousafzai
Pakistan’s energy crisis is no longer just a matter of statistics; it has become the story of every household. During winter, gas bills shook the public to its core, and now in summer, a new wave of electricity bills has made it clear that in this system, everything seems protected except the common citizen.
According to the financial year 2024–25 report of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, electricity distribution companies caused a loss of 472 billion rupees to the national exchequer in a single year. The largest share of these losses—87.48 billion rupees—was recorded by the Peshawar Electric Supply Company. The question is: who caused this loss, and who is paying the price? The answer is clear—inefficiency at the top, payment at the bottom.
Line losses, electricity theft, a faulty billing system, and weak recovery mechanisms are among the reasons cited in the official report. However, instead of addressing these flaws, the weapon of fixed charges has been deployed. By significantly increasing electricity prices under the head of fixed charges, nearly 200 billion rupees in additional burden has been directly placed on the public. Now, whether you use less electricity or more, payment according to the approved load is mandatory. From protected consumers to those using up to 700 units, everyone is affected. Domestic users with single-phase and three-phase meters are also caught in this tightening grip.
Citizens of Peshawar, in particular, are facing double punishment. While the Peshawar Electric Supply Company recorded the highest losses, there has been no clear example of accountability for its management. A loss exceeding 87 billion rupees is not the result of a single mistake but a sign of persistent mismanagement. Yet instead of reforms, tariffs have been increased.
On the other hand, IPPs (Independent Power Producers) continue to operate on their own terms. No clear outcome has emerged from the government’s efforts at effective and transparent negotiations with them. On one side, IPPs appear to enjoy free rein; on the other, the entire burden is being shifted to consumers. What kind of strategy is this—one lacking both transparency and consideration for public interest?
When electricity became expensive, citizens were encouraged to adopt solar energy. People took loans and invested their savings to install solar systems. The solar business grew rapidly across the country. But as soon as this sector began expanding and certain interests reaped profits, the sword of taxation was hung over it. This is not policy continuity; it is open contradiction. First a path was shown, then that very path was made costly.
The influence of mafias over several national institutions is no secret. The public is receiving no relief at any level. The economy is already under pressure, businesses are shutting down, unemployment is rising, and amid all this, the storm of electricity prices, gas costs, and inflation shows no sign of subsiding.
If the 472 billion rupee loss resulted from the incompetence of these companies, accountability should take place there. If 200 billion rupees in fixed charges are being collected, transparent justification is essential. IPP contracts should be renegotiated on transparent grounds, taxes imposed on solar energy should be reviewed immediately, and emergency measures should be taken to reduce electricity and gas prices so that real relief can reach the public.
The public is not just paying bills anymore—they are watching everything. And when economic pressure crosses its limits, its echo does not remain confined to homes; it reaches the halls of power as well.
