Minister Leghari Unveils Energy Sector Reforms

The Federal Minister for Energy, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, recently unveiled a strategic initiative to establish eight new workshops dedicated to repairing transformers. This announcement came during a session at the National Assembly where concerns were raised about the limited availability of transformer repair facilities at the district level by DISCOs.

Minister Leghari emphasized that all DISCOs currently operate multiple workshops for transformer repairs, aiming to address the existing gaps in service provision. He further assured that the government is committed to upholding regulations related to net metering for solar systems. This commitment includes honoring agreements with net meter owners, ensuring stable electricity prices for future installations, and ruling out any taxation on solar net metering.

The government's proactive stance on promoting net metering was underscored, with a promise to enhance power company services through improved governance and legislative actions to tackle overbilling issues. Minister Leghari also issued a stern warning, indicating that individuals engaged in overbilling practices could face potential jail time once the proposed legislation is approved by Parliament.

In response to queries, the minister clarified that fees for services like TV and other taxes collected by DISCOs are directed towards entities such as Pakistan Television (PTV) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), with DISCOs serving as collection agents. He expressed readiness to provide additional information to the assembly on various topics concerning Independent Power Producers (IPPs), transmission, generation, and distribution systems.

The government's proactive measures to enhance transformer repair services and support net metering initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving the energy sector's efficiency and transparency. Minister Leghari's emphasis on combating overbilling and ensuring fair practices within the industry reflects a dedication to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting sustainable energy solutions for the nation's future.