Govt Plans Surplus Power Package for Industry Announced in National Assembly

Islamabad: The National Assembly was informed today that the government is working on a proposal for a Surplus Power Package aimed at industrial and agricultural consumers. This initiative aligns with the Bijli Sahulat Package and is projected to span the next three years.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, during the Question Hour in the House, disclosed that an incremental consumption package is being developed. This package aims to offer discounted electricity rates based on incremental usage. The Minister highlighted that Greenfield industries, including data centers and crypto mining operations, are considered for the proposed package. These industries would benefit from discounted rates on their entire consumption, provided they meet specific terms and conditions.

The Minister further explained that the proposed surplus power package would be accessible to all industries, including the export sector, at incremental consumption rates. During the session, he also addressed another query, revealing that the government is working on a direct subsidy scheme. This scheme aims to eliminate the cross subsidy, which currently imposes a burden on domestic consumers.

In response to a calling attention notice, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the House that the National Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with provincial disaster management authorities, regularly conducts public awareness campaigns. These campaigns provide timely updates, forecasts, and precautionary measures concerning weather conditions, rainfall, floods, and other natural disasters.