Electricity subsidy will continue for protected consumers, Owais Leghari announces

Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has rejected reports of ending subsidies for protected consumers (those consuming less than 200 units of electricity).

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said that there has been a significant increase in the number of consumers consuming less than 200 units of electricity and the government will continue to provide subsidies to them. Transparent provision of subsidies is being ensured through registration and QR code system.

The minister said that in the last four years, the number of consumers consuming less than 200 units has increased from 9.5 million to 21.5 million. These consumers are being given a subsidy of Rs 527 billion annually.

Awais Leghari also gave details of the reform measures taken in the power sector. According to him, electricity prices have come down in the last two years, Rs3,500 billion has been transferred to consumers through the revision of IPP contracts, circular debt has been reduced by Rs780 billion and losses of distribution companies have been reduced by Rs193 billion.

He said that the government is in favor of solarization and is promoting renewable energy. In 2025, 55 percent of electricity generation was from clean energy, which is targeted to be taken to 90 percent by 2035.

The minister clarified that the government is working only on projects that have already been invested in and no unnecessary burden will be placed on consumers.