LAHORE: Ministry of Energy’s Power Division is working on a proposal to give discounted power tariff hours, ending peak hours and issues/complications related to tariff applicable to the industrial sector.

The division is also set to get input from the chief executive officers (CEOs) of all power distribution companies (DISCOs) and other stakeholders soon, Dawn has learnt.

“There is a proposal that is currently under-discussion. Under this, the ministry is considering to end peak hours and introduce a new tariff under which the industry will be given discounted tariff hours,” Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) CEO Mujahid Pervaiz Chatha told Dawn on Friday.

Earlier, Lesco chief, while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said that since the discussion over the proposal was underway, the DISCOs would also seek input from various chambers.

He agreed that the quality of digital metering was not up to the mark and said the company was trying to get rid of this issue. To a question regarding high percentage of fines on late bill payment, he said that Lesco was working to proportionate the rate.

He urged the consumers to use message complaint service to register their complaints. “It is really very effective system, as we monitor and resolve the consumers’ issues promptly,” he claimed.

He also gave good news to the industrialists, stating that Test Report after demand Note of new connection can now be submitted upon start of production. Before that, it was must to submit the test report right after issuance demand note.

“We are also working on free of cost energy audit program for the industry with the help of government,” he said.

While answering a question regarding high rate of line loses in Lahore compared to other DISCOs in Punjab, he said since the transmission area of Lesco was double than other Discos, technical loses, besides electricity theft, is also a reason behind high figure.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said there was often an issue of late delivery of electricity bills at the business premises. “The businesses have to face harassment by the field staffs of Lesco, who disconnect the power supply the next morning if a business entity fails to pay the bill within the due date. This is against the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority rules pertaining to disconnection of electricity connection,” he deplored.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2019