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The Government has approved a new system to provide electricity at a uniform tariff for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Industrial Estates to boost industrial development across the country.
The approval was granted during a Cabinet Committee on Energy meeting held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The meeting endorsed single-point power supply arrangements for Industrial Estates and SEZs. It authorized their management to handle self-connections, bill collection, and related operations independently.
This new system aims to eliminate the involvement of power distribution company officials in these zones. A specialized operations and management mechanism is being developed by the Power Division and NEPRA and is expected to be implemented within three months.
Notably, zone developers will no longer require additional licenses to supply electricity to industries operating within the zones.
Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the critical role of industrial development in the country’s progress. He directed that the new system be applied universally across all SEZs.
The Prime Minister stated that providing electricity to industries at a uniform tariff would accelerate industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and boost exports.
Highlighting the improvements in the power transmission system, he noted that industries would significantly contribute to the country’s economic development under the new reforms.
Reduction in Circular Debt and Other Reforms
According to the circular debt report, a notable improvement has been observed in the current financial year. From July to November 2023, the circular debt rose by Rs 368 billion. However, during the same period in 2024, it decreased by Rs 12 billion. This marked a net improvement of Rs 380 billion in circular debt compared to the previous year.
Additionally, power sector receipts increased by 4%, reaching 96% during the first five months of the current financial year. Losses incurred by electricity distribution companies were reduced by Rs 53 billion due to operational improvements.
The meeting was also informed that electricity prices fell by Rs 4.64 per unit during the current financial year as a result of ongoing reforms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing cost-effective, eco-friendly, and uninterrupted power supplies to the public. He assured that efforts to further reduce electricity costs for consumers, including revising contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), are underway.
