Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari has refuted claims that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has required Pakistan to transition from net metering to gross metering for solar energy.
In an interview with a private news agency, Leghari clarified that the IMF has imposed no such conditions regarding this change in metering systems.
He also highlighted the significant reduction in the cost of a five-kilowatt solar system compared to the past two years, resulting in a shorter payback period for solar investments. Leghari encouraged the public to invest in energy-efficient fans to decrease electricity consumption.
Addressing the issue of rising electricity prices, the Energy Minister pointed out that theft and illicit activities by mafias within power distribution companies contribute to cost discrepancies of up to five rupees per unit. He added that inefficiencies in the transmission system further escalate costs by two to three rupees per unit.
Moreover, Leghari mentioned the government’s interest in privatizing certain power distribution companies as a strategic move to potentially lower electricity prices in the future.
