The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet has approved an increase in power tariff for the households consuming over 300 units per month, but decided to give massive relief to the agricultural sector, a private TV channel reported, quoting sources.
The committee decided that electricity prices would not be raised for domestic consumers using 300 units or less in a month. However, those consuming more than 300 units in a month will witness a rise of around 10 per cent in the electricity prices.
The rise in power tariff is less than anticipated and has been approved keeping in mind the recovery of dues and the need to address the issue of circular debt, Finance Minister Asad Umar reportedly told the meeting.
Sources said the committee decided to provide relief in electricity prices to the agricultural sector, slashing rates by almost 48 per cent, from existing Rs 10.5 to Rs 5.5 per unit.
The committee also discussed matters pertaining to the power sector and the economic indicators.
Though the government didn’t release an official statement regarding the changes in power tariff structure, Finance Minister Asad Umar is likely to announce the measures soon, the channel reported.
Published in Daily Times, October 25th 2018.
