The Power Division has rejected claims made in a news report titled “New Power Tariff to Deter Solar Shift” and called it factually incorrect and misleading.
A spokesperson for the Power Division said no proposal has been shared with the IMF to penalize industrial consumers for using less than their sanctioned electricity load or for shifting to solar and other off-grid energy sources.
The spokesperson said the report appears to be based on a misunderstanding of a tariff proposal currently under consideration.
According to the Power Division, the author of the report contacted the relevant spokesperson before publication and was clearly informed that the proposed tariff structure is optional rather than mandatory. However, this key clarification was not accurately reflected in the published article.
The proposed tariff model under consideration features a different cost-allocation mechanism, with relatively higher fixed charges and lower variable energy charges across different time periods, including solar-generation hours and night-time consumption. The purpose of the proposal is to offer consumers an alternative tariff option that may better suit their operational and consumption patterns.
Industrial consumers would be free to choose whether to adopt the alternative tariff structure or remain on the existing tariff regime. There would be no obligation to switch.
The spokesperson further explained that the proposed design is intended to benefit process industries and other consumers that operate around the clock with high utilization rates and stable demand profiles. Such consumers may find the alternative tariff structure more predictable and cost-effective.
Any industrial consumer that determines the proposed tariff does not match its operational requirements would be able to continue using the current tariff structure without any adverse consequences.
The Power Division said claims that industries would be “punished” for using less than their sanctioned load or for adopting solar power are entirely unfounded and reflect the author’s interpretation rather than the actual policy proposal.
The spokesperson emphasized that public discussion on energy-sector reforms should be based on accurate facts and a sound technical understanding. Misrepresenting an optional tariff offering as a punitive measure against solar adoption, the spokesperson said, risks creating unnecessary confusion among consumers and stakeholders.
power division is lying, inki gaa*d mein kafi dard hein solar adoption ki wajeh se.