Leghari says rise in power use reflects impact of energy reforms

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said on Thursday that the continued increase in electricity consumption was linked to the government’s energy policies and reform steps, according to a press release.

He made the remarks during a meeting with World Bank Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, the statement said.

During the meeting, Leghari said the government was pursuing measures to make electricity tariffs more competitive in order to support major sectors of the economy. He said the effort was part of a broader policy approach aimed at improving the energy landscape.

The minister said the Power Division had reviewed concessional tariffs for industries and was now working on time-of-use proposals intended to improve energy competitiveness.

According to the press release, Leghari also told the World Bank official that the government planned to utilise the country’s solar energy potential.

Policy focus on tariffs and competitiveness

The minister’s comments outlined the government’s current focus on tariff reform and sectoral support through electricity pricing measures. He said the objective was to make power rates more competitive for key economic sectors.

Leghari said the review of concessional industrial tariffs had already been undertaken, while work was continuing on time-of-use proposals. These proposals, he said, were aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the energy sector.

The government is working to make electricity tariffs competitive to support key economic sectors.

The press release said the minister also highlighted the intention to tap Pakistan’s solar potential as part of the government’s energy agenda.

No further details were provided in the statement about the scale of the increase in electricity consumption or the specific measures under consideration in the time-of-use proposals.

The meeting with the World Bank country director took place as the government continues to discuss reforms in the power sector, with tariff competitiveness, industrial support and solar energy among the areas highlighted by the minister in his remarks.