ISLAMABAD: The Power Division has started considering a proposal to provide relief to non-protected domestic electricity consumers by revising the existing protected consumer formula.
According to reports, the Power Division has decided to review the current mechanism under which a consumer’s protected status is affected after electricity consumption exceeds 200 units.
Under the proposed formula, the additional tariff applicable after crossing the 200-unit threshold would be charged in the same month in which consumption exceeds 200 units. Consumers would not have to bear the additional rates for the following five months.
Under the existing mechanism, a protected consumer who exceeds 200 units in a month can lose protected status and subsequently pay higher rates for several months, even if electricity consumption falls below the threshold.
Report said the proposed change is aimed at addressing this issue by applying the additional rate in the month when consumption crosses 200 units rather than continuing the higher charges for the subsequent five months.
Meanwhile, the matter of providing electricity at reduced rates for bitcoin mining remains unresolved. The government has so far been unable to secure the International Monetary Fund’s approval on the issue.
Report said the proposal for concessional electricity rates for bitcoin mining would again be presented before the IMF team during the upcoming discussions.
Pakistan and the IMF are scheduled to begin talks on September 22 for the fourth review of the country’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility programme.
