Govt Moves to Eliminate Punitive Electricity Slab System for Consumers

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has announced plans to abolish the controversial electricity slab system that penalizes consumers exceeding the 200-unit threshold, as stated by Power Minister Awais Leghari during a Senate session on Tuesday.

Currently, consumers who use up to 200 units per month benefit from a subsidy of approximately Rs13 per unit. However, those who exceed this limit by even a single unit face charges of up to Rs33 per unit and lose their subsidy eligibility for six months. Leghari emphasized that the government is expediting efforts to eliminate this punitive structure, which disproportionately affects low- and middle-income households.

The decision to scrap the slab system is expected to alleviate financial burdens on consumers, particularly in a country where energy costs have been a significant concern. By transitioning to a more equitable subsidy model, the government aims to ensure that only deserving households receive financial assistance, potentially leading to a fairer distribution of energy costs across the population.

Looking ahead, the government plans to finalize the details of the new subsidy framework and implement it in the coming months. This initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving the energy sector’s efficiency and sustainability.