The Power Division disclosed in the National Assembly that a staggering RS 979.29 billion was paid to 33 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) over the course of a year. According to the details presented by the Power Division, these payments, made between July 2023 and June 2024, were disbursed under capacity payments. Out of the total, PKR 718 billion was paid to eight IPPs that generate electricity from local and imported coal. Additionally, three hydropower IPPs received over PKR 106 billion, while PKR 81.6 billion was paid to 11 IPPs running on furnace oil. During the question hour in the National Assembly, details were also provided on the losses incurred by K-Electric and the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) over the past three years.

The written response presented in the assembly revealed that HESCO experienced electricity losses of 27.4% in 2021 22, 27.1% in 2022-23, and 27.1% in 2023-24. K-Electric, on the other hand, recorded losses of 15.35% in 2021-22, 15.27% in 2022-23, and 16% in 2023-24. The report also highlighted widespread electricity theft across the country, with 84,362 incidents reported by distribution companies (DISCOs). Authorities arrested 291 individuals involved in power theft, registered 7,068 cases, and dismissed 47 employees linked to these activities. Furthermore, DISCOs recovered outstanding dues amounting to PKR 885.381 million.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan