Power sector reduced losses by Rs192b, says Leghari

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has made progress in reducing losses in the energy sector, particularly among electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). This was announced by Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari during a press conference here on Wednesday.

According to the minister, losses dropped from Rs591 billion last year to Rs399 billion this year. He attributed the change to reforms and efforts by the government, including the appointment of merit-based board members in DISCOs and other structural measures.

Leghari said that Rs151 billion have been saved through the reduction of losses, and the overall savings to taxpayers now stand at Rs191 billion. He also reported that electricity theft accounted for Rs276 billion last year, while Rs315 billion in dues went unrecovered from consumers. This year, the government had aimed to limit total losses to Rs100 billion.

The minister said that certain DISCOs have also managed to reduce electricity theft, and have also identified some large companies that were involved in power theft. He added that measures are ongoing to improve recovery rates across all DISCOs.

Leghari also said that the scale of losses had been a matter of concern for the Prime Minister and the federal cabinet.

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