Government assures continued relief for electricity consumers
Speaking at a press conference, Owais Leghari said more than 20 million consumers using less than 200 units of electricity are currently benefiting from subsidized rates. He explained that a fixed subsidy amount is being adjusted directly in electricity bills to help low-income families manage rising energy costs.
According to Owais Leghari, the QR code subsidy system has already benefited more than 2 million consumers, while over 2 million single-phase users have completed registration. He said the government will continue using the QR code subsidy system to ensure that assistance reaches deserving consumers without interruption.
Subsidy Support Continues for Millions
The minister stated that around 29.57 million domestic consumers, representing nearly 86 percent of household users, are currently receiving support under the electricity subsidy Pakistan program.
He said the total subsidy volume has increased from Rs199 billion to Rs423 billion. In addition, the government is providing Rs527 billion in support to agricultural and domestic consumers.
Owais Leghari rejected reports suggesting that subsidies for protected electricity consumers would be withdrawn. He described such claims as inaccurate and said the government remains committed to supporting vulnerable households.
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Reforms Deliver Major Savings
Highlighting the impact of power sector reforms Pakistan, the minister said circular debt reduction efforts helped lower the burden by Rs780 billion during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
He added that revisions to agreements with Independent Power Producers generated savings of approximately Rs3,500 billion. According to Owais Leghari, these achievements demonstrate the positive results of power sector reforms Pakistan.
The minister further stated that reducing losses in distribution companies saved Rs193 billion, while the sale of unnecessary machinery from government-owned power plants generated additional savings of Rs47 billion.
No Increase in Electricity Bill Taxes
Addressing concerns about taxation, Owais Leghari clarified that there is no proposal to increase taxes on electricity bills. He noted that taxes currently account for an average of 24 percent of electricity bills but said no new burden is being planned for consumers.
He also emphasized that circular debt reduction remains a major government priority and that continued reforms are helping improve the financial health of the energy sector.
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Electricity Prices Decline Across Categories
The minister claimed that electricity rates have fallen across all consumer categories between March 2024 and May 2026 due to power sector reforms Pakistan.
According to official figures shared by Owais Leghari, tariffs for protected electricity consumers have decreased by 31 percent, while domestic consumers have received a 16 percent reduction.
Industrial users saw a 33 percent decline, commercial consumers an 8 percent reduction and agricultural users a 14 percent reduction in tariffs.
He added that the QR code subsidy system will continue to play a key role in identifying eligible households and ensuring that electricity subsidy Pakistan benefits reach the right consumers.
