ISLAMABAD, JULY21: Consumers paid Independent Power Producers (IPPs) Rs. 150 billion in capacity costs per month, from January to March 2024; nevertheless, many of these plants run at less than 10% of their maximum capacity.
On July 20, data that demonstrated how IPPs were readily taking advantage of citizens for not producing much electricity during the first quarter of 2024 was shared by former Commerce Minister Dr. Gohar Ejaz.
“I’m providing NEPRA data that shows a monthly capacity payment of 150 billion PKR from January 24 to March 24. Please take note that half of the IPPs receiving this money are operating at less than 10% capacity. With #zero electricity supply, four power plants receive a monthly allocation of 1000 crores each.Under the pretense of capacity charges, 40 households are receiving this money our halal incomehe tweeted.
The former minister pushed for a reclassification of IPPs by the federal government so that payments are only made for the power generated. He proclaimed, “We should purchase from the cheapest suppliers, and these plants should be designated as merchant plants, where payments are made only for the electricity produced.” The Pakistani people should not be the source of business for the government.All major customers must be represented by NEPRA in its management and distribution processes. He continued, “This exploitation has to stop.”
