Power sector officials to receive cash benefits instead of free electricity

WEB DESK: In a significant policy shift, the government has undertaken preparations to extend financial facilities to officers of electricity companies in lieu of the existing provision of free electricity.

Reliable sources indicate that a proposal has been put forth to cease the monthly allocation of free units for officers falling within the Grade 17 to Grade 21 brackets.

The Cabinet Committee on Energy is expected to grant approval to this proposal during its imminent meeting on the summary presented by the Power Division.

It has been disclosed that this move, if implemented, will result in substantial annual savings, estimated to exceed Rs6 billion.

The recommended adjustment entails replacing the current system of free units with a monetary allowance.

Specifically, the proposal suggests granting Rs15,858 to Grade 17 officers instead of 450 free units.

Grade 18 officers would receive Rs21,996 in lieu of 600 free units, while Grade 19 officers would be entitled to Rs37,594 rupees rather than 880 free units per month.

For higher-ranking officers, the proposed financial benefits increase significantly. Grade 20 officers would receive Rs46,992 instead of 1,100 free units, and Grade 21 officers would be allocated Rs55,536 in place of 1,300 free units per month.

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Similar adjustments have been proposed for officers of the generation company. Grade 17 officers in this sector would receive Rs24,570, Grade 18 officers would be entitled to Rs26,460, and Grade 19 officers would receive Rs42,720, all in lieu of the current free units provision.

It is important to note that the provision of free electricity will remain intact for employees up to Grade 16 for the time being.

The government’s decision to reevaluate these benefits reflects a broader strategy aimed at fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources within the electricity sector.

Further developments on this matter are anticipated following the upcoming meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy.