Senate Committee Demands Forensic Audit of Power Producers Amid Billing Dispute
- The Senate committee has requested a forensic audit of independent power producers (IPPs) due to inflated billing concerns.
- Nationwide protests are occurring over high electricity bills, including a sit-in by Jamaat-e-Islami in Rawalpindi.
- Nepra Chairman acknowledges past mistakes but assures that reforms and new plants are planned to address the crisis.
The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat has taken decisive action in response to widespread public outrage over soaring electricity bills in Pakistan. The committee has called for a forensic audit of independent power producers (IPPs), who are accused of inflating charges. This move follows numerous protests across the country, including a significant sit-in by the Jamaat-e-Islami party in Rawalpindi.
During a recent committee meeting led by Senator Rana Mahmood ul Hassan, National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Chairman Waseem Mukhtar briefed members on the current situation. Mukhtar explained that balancing the interests of the government, power companies, and consumers is an ongoing challenge. He noted that new electricity generation plants are on the horizon and consumers will soon be able to choose their electricity suppliers once the commercial market opens in the coming months.
Mukhtar also reflected on past decisions, acknowledging mistakes made during the 2007 power crisis and the subsequent overcapacity issues that arose from overly optimistic growth projections. He highlighted the impact of currency fluctuations on power plant investments, stressing that stability in economic conditions is crucial for controlling electricity prices.
Senator Abdul Qadir criticized the IPPs for overpricing and making substantial profits over the past decade. He and other committee members support the forensic audit to ensure transparency and accountability. The committee’s chairman, Senator Hasan, concurred, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation in light of the widespread public outcry.