Ministry of Energy’s Power Division has dismissed reports suggesting that a “new power tariff” is being introduced to discourage the adoption of solar energy, according to media reports.
In a clarification statement, the ministry said that the government is not considering any proposal to increase fixed electricity charges or impose penalties on industries using solar power.
The Power Division termed the circulating reports as misleading and urged the public and media to rely on accurate and verified information when reporting on energy sector developments.
According to a statement issued by the Power Division, certain reports suggested that the government had presented a plan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that would impose an additional financial burden on industries consuming less electricity or adopting solar energy. The Ministry of Energy has categorically rejected these claims.
The statement explained that the tariff structure currently under consideration is merely an optional alternative. Under the proposal, consumers would have access to lower electricity rates during certain periods in exchange for relatively higher fixed charges. This would allow industrial consumers to choose the tariff option that best suits their operational needs and electricity consumption patterns.
The Ministry further clarified that industrial consumers would have complete freedom to either opt for the new alternative tariff or continue with the existing tariff structure. No consumer would be compelled to switch to the new system.
The Power Division noted that the proposed alternative tariff could be particularly beneficial for industries that operate around the clock and consume electricity continuously, as it could make their electricity costs more stable and predictable.
The Ministry of Energy emphasised that information related to the energy sector should be communicated to the public accurately and on a technical basis to avoid unnecessary confusion and misunderstandings.
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